Fear of Russian attack on Baltic countries after Russia-Ukraine war: Finland and NATO alert

The three-year-long war between Russia and Ukraine has increased security concerns in Europe. During this time, Russia has caused huge destruction by attacking the interior areas of Ukraine with missiles and drones. Now there are fears of a possible Russian attack on Finland and its neighboring Baltic countries in Northern Europe. Major newspapers of Finland Iltalehti And according to NATO sources, Russia is planning to attack other Baltic countries, including Finland.

possible threat to finland

Finland’s government defense report and NATO sources have been quoted as claiming that Russia could attack Finland and its surrounding areas.

• According to the report:
  • Russia could capture Finland’s northern region Lapland and Ivalo airport.
  • Russian missile forces deployed on the Kola Peninsula could target Finland.
  • There is a possibility of Russian missile attacks on the southern and south-eastern coastlines.

Increased threat to Baltic countries

NATO sources also said that Russia may also target Baltic countries like Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

• Russia’s Sixth Army:
  • May try to attack and destroy the capitals of Estonia and Latvia.
  • By attacking Lithuania, Russia wants to establish a land corridor between Kaliningrad and Belarus.
• Suwalki Corridor:
  • This corridor is an important part of NATO’s strategic defense. Russia may plan to capture it.

Reference to 2017 military exercise

The report refers to the Zapad military exercises conducted by Russia in 2017, in which Putin’s forces practiced simulated attacks on Norway, Finland, and the Baltic countries.

• This shows that Moscow’s attack plans are not limited to just exercises.
• Experts believe that after the Ukraine war, Russia may make these countries its next target.

buffer zone strategy

Russia’s possible strategy includes the creation of buffer zones in northern Finland and Norway.

• Control from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea:
  • Russia may plan to create a security zone from the Arctic to the Mediterranean Sea.
• Impact on NATO:
  • This strategy could strengthen Russia’s hold on NATO’s eastern flanks.

Putin’s expansionist intentions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has long expressed his desire to restore the old Russian Empire.

• Putin can make historical claims to many parts of Europe, idealizing the 17th-century Russian Empire.
• This is part of his geopolitical vision, which he made clear during the Ukraine war.

Sweden and Finland’s response

• According to Mikael Byden, former head of the Swedish armed forces,
  

  “Russia’s long-term goal may be to establish control over the Baltic Sea.”

• The Finnish Defense Forces have stated that military exercises are a normal part of any military and should not be viewed as a potential attack.

NATO and Europe’s preparation

• NATO has warned its member countries to be alert about these possible intentions of Moscow.
• Strategic measures are being considered to prevent any attack on NATO’s eastern flank.