Baltic countries agree to build defense facilities on the borders of Russia and Belarus

According to the report of the international group Tasnim news agency quoting According to the Austrian newspaper “De Presse”, in view of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the three Baltic countries agreed to build a new defense facility on their borders with Belarus and Russia. The Ministry of Defense of Estonia announced on Friday that the ministers of the two countries signed an agreement in Riga, according to which Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania want to build defense facilities in the coming years to limit movements on the borders.

Estonia’s Ministry of Defense stated that the goal was to “deter and, if necessary, defend against military threats.” “Elements” on the ground will be put into perspective, taking into account the results of analysis of enemy intentions, the environment and the defense plan, the statement said. More information about these facilities was not provided.

According to the statement of the Ministry of Defense of Estonia, Hanno Pokor, Minister of Defense of Estonia, said: Russia’s war in Ukraine showed that in addition to On equipment, ammunition and personnel, physical defense facilities are also necessary. Andris Sprads, his Latvian counterpart at the online service X, formerly Twitter, said: “We will build the Baltic defense line to defend NATO’s eastern flank and deny our opponents freedom of movement.”

Latvia and Lithuania share a border with Russia, and Belarus and Estonia share a border with Russia. The Baltic countries have been constant supporters of Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s invasion.

From Among all NATO member states, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia find themselves most directly threatened by Russia and Belarus, which is why the three Baltic states are now deciding to strengthen their border fortifications with a bunker system against an attack by Kremlin forces.

According to media reports, the construction of this facility is scheduled to begin in 2025. Initially, about 55 million euros have been earmarked for this work. This announcement will establish a system of trenches and supply lines. In peacetime, no barbed wire, no mines, and no concrete blocks should be placed on the border to stop tanks.

Amid Russia’s war against Ukraine, NATO announced on Thursday a large-scale military exercise with around 90,000 troops. did General Christopher Cowley, the commander in chief of NATO forces in Europe, said in Brussels: This is the biggest NATO exercise in the last few decades. In this exercise, in emergency situations, Russia’s attack on the territory of this military coalition will be practiced.

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