Why the Baltics Are Right to Worry About Putin’s Latest Reassurances
Putin sought to reassure Europe while again invoking alleged abuses of Russian speakers in the Baltics – a familiar Kremlin narrative that has heightened regional concern.
On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Moscow is not preparing for war with Europe, despite accusing the Baltic states of violating the rights of Russian speakers and stating Russia would continue to "fight" for them. Dismissing European warnings as deliberate escalation, Putin insisted that Moscow has no real motive to escalate.
This juxtaposition of denial of military intent while simultaneously reiterating grievances over Russian speakers is a familiar Kremlin tactic, historically used to justify pressure on neighboring states. The Baltic states have recently reinforced defenses around critical infrastructure, and the US has confirmed an additional troop rotation to the region.
However, security experts advise against taking Putin's assurances at face value, citing his history of reassuring global leaders about no intention of attacking Ukraine while Russian forces invaded on February 24, 2022. The Kremlin's pattern of using claims about protection of Russian speakers as part of its political messaging to lay groundwork for hostile actions further underscores why the Baltic states should remain vigilant.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
