Baltic states: Latest news, analysis, video interviews, video reports

In the White House race, the Baltics are rooting for Joe Biden

In the White House race, the Baltics are rooting for Joe Biden

There are worries in the Baltic States that a new Donald Trump may mean chaotic US policies. If Joe Biden stays, it would be “business as usual”.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
24 Nov 2023
“There is no point in importing someone else’s conflict to us”

“There is no point in importing someone else’s conflict to us”

In Estonia, Hamas’ attack on Israel and the subsequent military operation in Gaza were perceived as a threat to the country’s own security.

Olesja Lagashina
Olesja Lagashina
22 Nov 2023
Latvians still support Ukraine, but many lost their enthusiasm

Latvians still support Ukraine, but many lost their enthusiasm

The Latvians have been less involved lately in helping Ukrainians, as the war fatigue and domestic economic problems are taking their toll. However, the level of support is still high.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
30 Oct 2023
Sanctions targeting Russia are bypassed by EU entities. The Estonian case

Sanctions targeting Russia are bypassed by EU entities. The Estonian case

Estonia has pleaded tough sanctions against Russia, and yet Estonian entities and persons – even from the Prime minister’s family – have been breaking some of the existing sanctions.

Olesja Lagashina
Olesja Lagashina
23 Oct 2023
INTERVIEW: Russia’s disinformation in its Baltic “sphere of interest”

INTERVIEW: Russia’s disinformation in its Baltic “sphere of interest”

The Baltic States are being targeted by Russian disinformation which is using both narratives launched before the war in Ukraine and newer ones.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
28 Sep 2023
Will Estonia take the lead in rare earth metal mining?

Will Estonia take the lead in rare earth metal mining?

Estonia could become a powerhouse in the strategic rare earth metals industry. Environmental concerns, outside competition, and opposition to mining are threatening that potential.

Olesja Lagashina
Olesja Lagashina
20 Sep 2023
Breaking segregation: Estonia’s controversial education reform

Breaking segregation: Estonia’s controversial education reform

Estonia has one of the world’s best education systems but it’s only for Estonian speakers. There’s a parallel system for Russian speakers, which authorities now want to eliminate.

Olesja Lagashina
Olesja Lagashina
22 Aug 2023
Latvia is mobilizing: national defense service will be mandatory

Latvia is mobilizing: national defense service will be mandatory

Latvia is making participation in the state defense service (SDS) mandatory, as part of a larger drive to strenghten its security.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
07 Aug 2023
Anxiety in the Baltic states about Wagner’s next move

Anxiety in the Baltic states about Wagner’s next move

Latvia’s unfinished border fence came into focus following Wagner’s rebellion in Russia and its alleged move to Belarus. Experts warn that security requires more than a fence.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
12 Jul 2023
Estonia tries to legalize same-sex marriages

Estonia tries to legalize same-sex marriages

Estonia is on the verge of becoming the most progressive ex-Soviet state regarding LGBT+ rights. Conservative politicians oppose the move, but the population seems more tolerant than them.

Olesja Lagashina
Olesja Lagashina
14 Jun 2023
Latvia has a new pro-EU president. Will the country’s ruling coalition survive?

Latvia has a new pro-EU president. Will the country’s ruling coalition survive?

După ce respectatul ministru leton de externe Edgars Rinkēvičs, a fost ales președinte, zilele coaliției pro-europene de guvernare ar putea fi numărate.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
05 Jun 2023
Russia’s plans to bring the Baltic countries in its orbit

Russia’s plans to bring the Baltic countries in its orbit

Russia has drawn plans for each Baltic country on how to influence local politics and society. The war in Ukraine seems to have derailed these plans, but that doesn’t mean that Russia’s long-term goals have changed.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
16 May 2023
The Estonian scandal that brought into spotlight corruption in Ukraine

The Estonian scandal that brought into spotlight corruption in Ukraine

In March, a scandal erupted in Estonia: money raised for Ukraine by the most famous Estonian charitable organization, Slava Ukraini, had apparently been misused. This lead to a sharp decrease of donations for Ukraine and brought into spotlight that country’s rampant corruption.

Olesja Lagashina
Olesja Lagashina
10 May 2023
Estonia and the “old weapons” for Ukraine scandal

Estonia and the “old weapons” for Ukraine scandal

Estonia gave Ukraine old weapons, paid for with European money, but charged Brussels for new ones, according to European sources quoted by Politico. Many in Estonia’s political establishment categorically rejected the allegations, but some admitted there is some truth in them, explaining that the scandal has to do both with Tallinn’s self-righteousness towards its partners when it comes to helping Ukraine, and its desire to better arm itself.

Olesja Lagashina
Olesja Lagashina
12 Apr 2023
Russians in Latvia: pro-Ukraine or pro-Putin?

Russians in Latvia: pro-Ukraine or pro-Putin?

Latvia is a staunch supporter of Ukraine. However, around one quarter of its population is made up of Russian ethnics, and the number of those speaking Russian as a first language is higher. The war in Ukraine brought into focus the loyalties of that population – do they support Riga’s policy and Ukraine, or Russia’s aggression and president Vladimir Putin? No one seems to know the answer to that.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
07 Apr 2023
Elections in Estonia: the victory of the liberals, the protest vote in Narva, and the success of the Putinists

Elections in Estonia: the victory of the liberals, the protest vote in Narva, and the success of the Putinists

The parliamentary elections held in Estonia showed that in an extremely unstable geopolitical situation in Europe, with the war in Ukraine going on for more than a year, the population is aware of the risks and is ready to rally around those political forces that rely on the European Union and NATO. At the same time, there were also some unpleasant discoveries for Estonian society.

Olesja Lagashina
Olesja Lagashina
14 Mar 2023
How Russia’s invasion of Ukraine increased the Baltic countries’ profile within NATO

How Russia’s invasion of Ukraine increased the Baltic countries’ profile within NATO

Ever since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Baltic countries have been skeptical about Russia’s true aims. It was a view that proved to be more realistic than those held by many in the West, who thought that Russia can be a genuine partner of the Western liberal democracies and part of a stable international system.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
09 Mar 2023
Estonia before the elections: security and energy will be key

Estonia before the elections: security and energy will be key

Estonia is gearing up for general elections, which are scheduled in March. This year, they will come against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the problems brought by the war throughout the region. Thus, security and energy are bound to be the main topics of the electoral campaign. Also because of the war, it is highly unlikely that any significant party will raise the questions of improving relations with Moscow as a way of courting Estonia’s Russian minority.

Olesja Lagashina
Olesja Lagashina
09 Feb 2023
The TV Rain row shows that while Russian journalists are welcome in the Baltics there are limits to what they can broadcast

The TV Rain row shows that while Russian journalists are welcome in the Baltics there are limits to what they can broadcast

As the Kremlin made it virtually impossible for independent media to work in Russia, many outlets and journalists took refuge abroad. The Baltics offered such a safe haven including to the famous TV Rain, which moved its main operations to Latvia. After broadcasting for several months, TV Rain’s license was revoked for not complying with the Latvian rules and showing sympathy for the Russian troops fighting in Ukraine. However, Riga’s decision, while considered too harsh by some, did not lead to an exodus of Russian independent media from the Baltics.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
31 Jan 2023
The Estonian route: while trying to get to Europe, thousands of Ukrainian refugees are forced to go East to avoid the fighting

The Estonian route: while trying to get to Europe, thousands of Ukrainian refugees are forced to go East to avoid the fighting

Estonian city Narva and Russia’s Ivangorod are connected by a Friendship Bridge, a name that sounds quite ironic nowadays when many Ukrainian refugees use the bridge to make their way to Europe. They had to go East, then North, as their route West was blocked by the fighting. A network of Russian and Estonian volunteers has been helping these refugees. While some continue towards other European countries, many decided to stay in the small Baltic country, which is starting to feel overwhelmed.

Olesja Lagashina
Olesja Lagashina
12 Jan 2023
Olevs Nikers: The best scenario is the complete defeat of Russia, the realistic one – a peace agreement

Olevs Nikers: The best scenario is the complete defeat of Russia, the realistic one – a peace agreement

For the Baltic States and NATO, the best outcome of the war in Ukraine would be a complete defeat of Russia, according to the president of the Baltic Security Foundation, Olevs Nikers. However, Nikers feels that the most likely scenario for the end of the war would be a peace agreement, which means that the Baltic states and the Western world will be forced to deal with Russia on the long run.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
17 Nov 2022
Latvia after elections: some major changes, but the government will be the same

Latvia after elections: some major changes, but the government will be the same

Despite causing heavy criticism and dissatisfaction with their response to the Covid-19 pandemic, taxes, and other issues, Prime Minister of Latvia Krišjānis Kariņš, and his party “New Unity” will most likely form the new government following the parliamentary elections held on October the 1st. However, the elections did significantly alter the landscape of Latvian politics.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
07 Oct 2022
Yuri Felshtinsky: Putin wanted a Russian-Ukrainian-Belarusian army that he could use to conquer Baltic States and the Republic of Moldova

Yuri Felshtinsky: Putin wanted a Russian-Ukrainian-Belarusian army that he could use to conquer Baltic States and the Republic of Moldova

Vladimir Putin’s original plan was to subdue Ukraine without bloodshed and create a joint Russian-Ukrainian-Belarusian army that he could use to conquer Baltic States and the Republic of Moldova, the Russian-American expert Yuri Felshtinsky argues, adding that Moscow’s recent actions suggest, despite all the threats, that no nuclear weapons will be used against Ukraine.

Mădălin Necșuțu
Mădălin Necșuțu
06 Oct 2022
Finland and Sweden in NATO – on their way to become a fundamental pillar of Baltic security

Finland and Sweden in NATO – on their way to become a fundamental pillar of Baltic security

By joining NATO, Finland and Sweden would make the Alliance the main power in the Baltic Sea. Together, the two countries boast efficient and highly trained air, sea and ground forces, a good defense industry, and quick response capabilities. They occupy strategic position. And they would greatly consolidate the security of NATO’s most vulnerable member states – the Baltic countries.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
19 Aug 2022
The Suwałki Gap: could a war between NATO and Russia start over its control?

The Suwałki Gap: could a war between NATO and Russia start over its control?

With NATO-Russia relations at their lowest level in history, following the latter’s invasion of Ukraine, a stretch of land connecting Poland to Lithuania has come into focus. The Suwałki Gap borders Russia’s Kaliningrad enclave. It could be a tempting target, as its control would help Russia cut NATO’s land bridge to its Baltic members. It could also be used, this time by the Alliance, to further isolate Kaliningrad. Is the Suwałki Gap the powder keg between NATO and Russia?

Michal Kukawski
Michal Kukawski
01 Aug 2022
The Latvian war with Soviet monuments and how it was stepped up after the invasion of Ukraine

The Latvian war with Soviet monuments and how it was stepped up after the invasion of Ukraine

Respected and hated. Saw a lot of flowers, but was also cursed and even blown up. That’s the fate of the Monument of Victory in Riga which is, probably, going to be demolished as a consequence of Russia’s large scale invasion of Ukraine. Hundreds of other Soviet era monuments may soon follow

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
29 Jun 2022
Experts: NATO’s presence in the Baltics must grow

Experts: NATO’s presence in the Baltics must grow

The Baltic states are probably among the NATO countries most exposed to a possible Russian attack and were among the first to express concern about the aggression of the Putin regime. Their NATO membership offers them protection, but experts feel that the Alliance needs to consolidate its position in the region.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
17 May 2022
A brief story history of Russian propaganda in Latvia since the 1990s and how it intensified as the crisis in Ukraine deepened

A brief story history of Russian propaganda in Latvia since the 1990s and how it intensified as the crisis in Ukraine deepened

Despite the fact that during the last eight years the Russian propaganda has targeted mainly Ukraine, Kremlin did not forget the Baltic States and Latvia. On the one hand Latvia itself was targeted, on the other propaganda and disinformation about Ukraine and NATO were promoted as well.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
11 Apr 2022
Breaking Fake News! - Europe Day in the West, Victory Day in the East (@ TVR1)

Breaking Fake News! - Europe Day in the West, Victory Day in the East (@ TVR1)

Victory Day is marked on May 8 in the West and on May 9 in the East. In the former Soviet states, for some it is the Day of Liberation from Fascism, for others the Day of the Soviet Occupation. On May 9, pro-Europeans celebrate Europe Day and pro-Russians Victory Day. What is the significance of May 9?

Marian Voicu
Marian Voicu
09 May 2021
SUA and Russia lock horns again: conclusions on the security context in Eastern Europe

SUA and Russia lock horns again: conclusions on the security context in Eastern Europe

The latest tensions between presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin are definitely giving political analysts from all over the world a headache, as they try to decrypt the discourses of the two presidents and somehow foresee where they’re leading. The United States and Russia have a number of imporant topics on their current agenda, such as the developments in Ukraine, Syria, the Iranian nuclear file or the situation in Northern Africa. USA and Russia also fell out over the poisoning and sentencing of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, the SolarWinds cyber-attacks scandal and Moscow’s bounties on US troops in Afghanistan.

Mădălin Necșuțu
Mădălin Necșuțu
26 Mar 2021
FAKE NEWS: The Americans want to attack Russia, but their tanks are as bad as the Nazis’

FAKE NEWS: The Americans want to attack Russia, but their tanks are as bad as the Nazis’

American tanks couldn’t invade Russia and would be facing the same difficulties German armored divisions did during the Second World War. This fake news underscores narratives about the attack plans of NATO and the USA, while also referring to metanarratives linked to the Second World War.

Cătălin Gomboș
Cătălin Gomboș
15 Feb 2021
FAKE NEWS: NATO wants to invade Kaliningrad and make money for American corporations

FAKE NEWS: NATO wants to invade Kaliningrad and make money for American corporations

NATO has an aggressive stance towards Russia and is training to invade the region of Kaliningrad. However, the real goal of the Alliance is to make money for the big American defense corporations, claims the Kremlin’s propaganda arm, Sputnik.

Cătălin Gomboș
Cătălin Gomboș
26 Jan 2021