Media: Russia issues stark ultimatum to Baltic states over Ukrainian drones

Moscow has issued a stark warning to NATO member states in the Baltic region, cautioning that any allowance of Ukrainian drone operations from their airspace against Russian targets will provoke a direct “response,” according to The Times. 

The alert, directed at Estonia, Finland, and Latvia, comes amid intensified Ukrainian strikes on critical Russian oil infrastructure in the area. These operations aim to disrupt the Kremlin’s war economy, which has benefited from rising global oil prices fueled by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

On April 7, Ukrainian drones attacked the Ust-Luga port on the Baltic Sea, causing a significant blaze, according to Russian Telegram channels. The port, a key node for Russian oil exports, had already been targeted by Ukrainian drones on at least five occasions between March 22 and 31.

Pro-Kremlin media outlets and bloggers claim that Estonia, Finland, and Latvia have facilitated these operations by providing Ukrainian aircraft with access to their airspace. Estonia has categorically denied the allegations, while Latvia accused Moscow of spreading disinformation. Finland likewise stated that its territory has not been used for any strikes on Russia.

The warning from Moscow arrives shortly after President Donald Trump suggested the United States might withdraw from NATO, citing European members’ hesitancy to support the US in its conflict with Iran. 

His remarks have fueled renewed concerns about Washington’s commitment to defend the Baltic states in the event of a Russian attack.

By Jeyhun Aghazada