NATO Drafts Rapid Baltic Defense Plan as Russia Loses 35,000 Troops a Month
Updated
Updated · Kyiv Post · May 27
NATO Drafts Rapid Baltic Defense Plan as Russia Loses 35,000 Troops a Month
4 articles · Updated · Kyiv Post · May 27
NATO is drawing up a rapid troop deployment plan for the Baltics as European officials warn Russia could test the alliance with action in the Baltic states, Baltic Sea or Arctic.
Russian threats have sharpened alongside large strikes on Kyiv, nuclear drills with Belarus and warnings aimed at Latvia and other European countries linked to Ukrainian drone production.
Lithuania activated air raid alerts last week after suspected Russian drones approached from Belarus, reinforcing fears that hybrid pressure could spill beyond Ukraine.
Western intelligence estimates Russia is losing about 35,000 troops a month—above recruitment levels—raising concern Moscow could escalate or mobilize more forces to sustain the war.
European officials say any weakening of US military commitment or rising political strain inside Europe could invite a Russian probe of NATO’s resolve.
How can NATO counter Russian attacks that are designed to stay below the threshold of all-out war?
With its army drained in Ukraine, is Russia waging a new hybrid war of sabotage and cyberattacks across Europe?
Is the Baltic Sea's critical undersea infrastructure the next flashpoint in Russia's shadow war with NATO?