Estonia and Latvia on August 27 confirmed that they remain vigilant, but their overall assessment of the threat from Russia has not changed. This comes despite media reports that the U.S. CIA director allegedly warned Moscow about possible provocations against the Baltic countries.
The unexpected visit of CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow on August 25 sparked speculation about its purpose. Politico, citing an unnamed source, reported that the main goal of the trip was “to warn Russia against any escalatory actions against the Baltic countries.”
Statements by Baltic officials
This rare trip took place amid rising tensions in the region. The governments of the Baltic states accuse Russia of cyber‑attacks, sabotage, attempts to influence public opinion, and airspace violations.
“The threat from Russia and possible provocations against NATO must be taken seriously, and the allies are acting accordingly,” said Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna to Kyiv Independent. He added: “We must remain vigilant, but the threat assessment for Estonia has not changed.”
His position was echoed on social media by his Latvian counterpart Baiba Braže, who wrote that “together with NATO allies we are taking the necessary measures to strengthen our security.”
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs made an even stronger statement to allay concerns. “I want to clearly tell the people of Latvia: there is currently no cause for concern. The level of military threat to Latvia has not changed, and the risk of a direct military invasion is low,” Kulbergs said.
He also stressed: “Preparedness for a possible threat is not the same as an immediate threat. These two things must not be confused.” The prime minister warned that the security situation should not become part of the election campaign, as Latvia will elect a new parliament on October 3.
International reaction and deterrence measures
U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed the significance of Ratcliffe’s visit to Moscow, stating that “he is there to resolve fairly routine issues — I don’t want to disappoint people.”
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby on August 27 participated in a meeting of NATO ambassadors in Brussels, where U.S.–Russia negotiations are expected to be discussed. American Republican lawmaker Don Bacon called on Washington to return 5,000 troops to Poland and the Baltic states as a clear demonstration of “deterrence.”
Separately, Latvia and Lithuania urged the EU to provide additional financial support to the countries on the bloc’s eastern flank for their efforts to protect the common external border.
For Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, deterrence remains essential. “It is in the interest of Estonia and NATO as a whole that Russia does not miscalculate when it comes to NATO’s collective defence. The clearer the allies make it understood to Moscow that NATO’s collective defence remains steadfast, the better.”
Source: Kyiv Independent
