In response to Russia’s aggressive policies, the Baltic states—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—are actively reinforcing their borders. All measures are aimed at enhancing security and protection against potential military threats from the Russian Federation and Belarus.
Lithuania has decided to establish permanent fortifications near the border with Russia’s Kaliningrad region. Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Laurynas Kasčiūnas announced that the Lithuanian Defense Forces have already begun transporting the first counter-mobility measures, including “dragon’s teeth,” anti-tank obstacles, and checkpoints, to specially equipped sites.
These fortifications are designed for permanent deployment in strategically important locations along the border. Although some measures will be mobile to ensure flexibility in response to threats, Lithuania plans to create permanent fortifications to strengthen defense capabilities in the most vulnerable areas.
Latvia is also actively working on reinforcing its borders within the framework of the “Baltic Defense Line” project. This project involves the construction of anti-tank ditches, obstacles, barbed wire fences, and a network of bunkers along the border with Russia and Belarus. The defensive structures will later be reinforced with minefields.
The first bunkers are expected to be ready early next year. These structures are intended to integrate into a unified defense system along with similar fortifications on the Polish border, known as the “Eastern Shield.”
Military engineer Kaspars Lazdiņš emphasized that, although these fortifications may appear outdated, they remain effective in the context of modern military conflicts.
Estonia introduced enhanced customs control on its border with Russia starting on August 8. These measures apply to all border crossing points, including Narva, Luhamaa, and Koidula. The purpose of these innovations is to prevent the import of sanctioned goods into Russia that could be used for military purposes.
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi explained that the control includes visual inspection and questioning of passengers, as well as thorough inspection of vehicles and goods using X-ray technology. These measures aim to ensure that no suspicious goods enter Russian territory.
In addition to the Baltic states, Finland is also tightening security measures on its border with Russia. Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen confirmed that the country will not reopen border crossing points with Russia in the near future, and the border will remain closed.
It is important to note that strengthening border defenses is crucial to protect against potential Kremlin aggression. However, it is equally important to highlight the significance of supporting Ukraine, which has long been resisting Russian aggression on its territory. Today, Ukraine serves as Europe’s outpost. By holding back Russian forces at its borders, Ukraine effectively protects other European countries from potential Kremlin attacks.
