Lithuania has reported a radicalization and escalation of rhetoric on the part of Russia

Russia's rhetoric is becoming increasingly aggressive, and its statements and threats regarding the Baltic states are growing more radical. 

This was stated by Remigijus Bridikis, head of Lithuania’s State Security Department, as quoted by Delfi. 

According to him, the intensification of information operations against Lithuania and other Baltic countries is taking place against the backdrop of the difficulties Russia is facing on the battlefield in Ukraine. These hostile campaigns are aimed at reducing support for Kyiv and sowing doubts about the security of the Baltic region.

At the same time, the head of the security service noted that the conventional military threat remains low in the near term, and the overall threat level in the country has not increased. Against the backdrop of potential incidents involving drone flights over Lithuanian territory, Bridikis emphasized that the most important thing is control over one’s own airspace and the ability to manage the situation regardless of the direction of foreign aircraft.

Latvia called Russia’s claims of “oppression of Russians” in the Baltic states a blatant smokescreen and an attempt to divert attention from its own policies. Officials in Riga stated that such accusations are part of Moscow’s information campaign and have nothing to do with reality. 

Russia has learned to intercept and “redirect” Ukrainian drones, forcing them to fly toward NATO countries. Due to massive electronic warfare attacks, the drones lose their bearings and begin to veer off course.