Russia's Move to 'Adjust' Baltic Sea Border

[Social Media]

 

Russia's recent proposal to unilaterally redraw its maritime borders in the Baltic Sea has sparked a wave of condemnation from NATO members Lithuania and Finland. This move, perceived as a provocative act against NATO and the EU, has heightened tensions in the already volatile region.

 

Late on Tuesday, the Russian defense ministry published a plan suggesting an expansion of Russia's maritime boundaries with Lithuania and Finland, both NATO members. This proposal, which appeared on a government website, was removed less than 24 hours later. Despite its brief appearance, the plan elicited strong reactions from the international community.

 

Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s foreign minister, described the proposal as "another Russian hybrid operation" aimed at spreading fear, uncertainty, and doubt about Russia’s intentions in the Baltic Sea. He emphasized the need for a firm response from NATO and the EU, calling the proposal an obvious escalation. In response, Lithuania's foreign ministry summoned a Russian diplomatic representative to provide a detailed explanation and pledged to coordinate its response with NATO allies. This move underscores the seriousness with which Lithuania is treating the potential threat.

 

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov attempted to downplay the situation, asserting that there was "nothing political" about the defense ministry's proposal. However, he did not delve into the specifics of the plan. Peskov acknowledged the escalating tensions and the increased level of confrontation in the Baltic region, suggesting that Russia's relevant agencies were taking necessary steps to ensure national security.

 

Finnish President Alexander Stubb maintained a calm and factual approach, stating that Russia had not contacted Finland regarding the proposed border changes. Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Finland would not be swayed by attempts to sow confusion, a tactic often associated with hybrid warfare.

 

This development is seen as Russia's latest attempt to unsettle its neighbors following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. NATO countries, including Lithuania and Finland, have been on high alert for various forms of hybrid attacks from Russia, such as cyber attacks, forced migration, and acts of sabotage. The Russian defense ministry justified the proposed border changes by claiming that the current borders in the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea near Kaliningrad do not "fully correspond to the current geographical situation."

 

Lithuania's foreign ministry condemned the proposal as a "deliberate, targeted, escalating provocation" aimed at intimidating neighboring countries and their societies. This view is widely shared among Baltic countries and other European powers, including the UK, Germany, and France, who have all warned of the potential for Russia to launch an attack on a NATO member within the next few years.

 

While acknowledging the heightened risk, Finnish President Stubb told the Financial Times that such an attack remains "highly unlikely," although NATO and Finland should still prepare for any possibility. This cautious optimism reflects a broader strategy within NATO to deter aggression while avoiding unnecessary escalation.

 

Russia's proposal to unilaterally expand its maritime borders in the Baltic Sea represents a significant escalation in its ongoing strategy to destabilize the region and challenge NATO. The swift and strong condemnation from Lithuania, Finland, and other NATO members underscores the gravity of the situation. As NATO continues to monitor and respond to these provocations, the alliance's unity and preparedness will be crucial in maintaining regional stability and deterring further aggression from Russia.

 

Credit: The Times 2024-05-24

 

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[Tug]

Heads up Eastern Europe you see what he has in mind ya best back Ukraine 100% and pray we here in America don’t get saddled with trump again 

[mfd101]

Hope the Hungarian and Slovak and Serbian governments are paying attention ...

[Bangkok Barry]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

This cautious optimism reflects a broader strategy within NATO to deter aggression while avoiding unnecessary escalation allowing Russia to do whatever it wants.

 

There . Fixed it.

[newbee2022]

The war is getting closer. 

Outcome unpredictable.

The world on the brink?

😵‍💫

[Purdey]

Well, they did write that the note was taken down inside 24 hours. It is ok to threaten but if your armed forces expansion plan is on the beach in Phuket, I don't have much hope for it.

[mfd101]

Europeans taking a LONG time to start adjusting to current nasty realities ... The good times are over, at least for the time being.

[Danderman123]

11 hours ago, mfd101 said:

Europeans taking a LONG time to start adjusting to current nasty realities ... The good times are over, at least for the time being.

Unfortunately, it's going to require demilitarizing Russia to get back to the good times.