“We agreed that with the increase in hybrid aggression and kinetic attacks by unfriendly countries in our region, we must remain calm, but also remain alert and vigilant, ready for a strong joint response,” Shimonite told reporters.
“The cable damage last week in the Baltic Sea only highlights how important coordination between the countries of the Baltic Sea region is,” she added.
Lithuania, Sweden and Finland have launched preliminary investigations into cable damage in the Baltic Sea.
“Depending on their results, EU and NATO allies should respond appropriately to abusive actions by applying restrictive measures,” said the Lithuanian prime minister, whose term will expire when the government of Social Democrat Gintautas Paluckas, which is currently being formed, is confirmed.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (JV) also stated at the press conference that better protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea requires coordinated action by the Baltic states.
“We can be stronger if we coordinate our actions, if we act together,” said the Prime Minister, adding that by working together, it is possible to resist the threats currently coming from Russia.
She emphasized that the Baltic countries already have very good cooperation in this matter, exchanging information and coordinating actions.
“I believe that sharing knowledge can benefit each of our countries, as well as our Baltic security as a whole,” said Siliņa, adding that it is also possible to send ships and that they are already monitoring the situation in the Baltic Sea, as well as new technologies , which can be installed in critical infrastructure, but there will always be challenges.
At the same time, Siliņa expressed that it is important to raise these issues at the level of the Joint Response Force (JEF), NATO and the European Union (EU), as this helps to impose new sanctions against Russia. “We also know that there is a Russian “shadow fleet” in the Baltic Sea, and we will stand up for new sanctions against these fleets,” said the Latvian Prime Minister.
Siliņa pointed out that informing member states and allies about these issues can ensure their vigilance and knowledge, and the Baltic states can agree on the next steps to protect themselves.
Coordinated actions at different levels help common resilience, Siliņa emphasized.
Lithuanian telecommunications company Telia Lietuva, which is owned by Sweden’s Telia Company, announced on Tuesday that one of the three underwater communication cables between Sweden and Lithuania was damaged on Sunday morning. This information was later confirmed by officials in Stockholm.
On Monday, the Finnish operator ”Cinia” announced that the cable connecting Helsinki and the German port of Rostock was broken for unknown reasons.
Politicians of the ruling majority in Lithuania suspect that the incidents could be related to Russian sabotage.
In recent months, the number of incidents related to hybrid attacks from Russia has increased in European countries, for example, a fire caused in the “IKEA” store in Vilnius and incendiary packages were sent from Lithuania to Great Britain and Germany via the German logistics company DHL.
“More than ten” such incidents are being investigated in Lithuania, Prosecutor General Nida Grunskiene announced on Thursday.
How can Baltic Sea nations enhance their cooperation to combat hybrid threats?
Interview: The Baltic Sea and the Necessity for Coordination in Security
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We have with us Dr. Anna Shimonite, a leading expert on regional security and defense strategies. Dr. Shimonite, recently, Baltic Sea countries have faced challenges related to hybrid aggression and infrastructure damage. Can you shed some light on the implications of these developments?
Dr. Anna Shimonite: Thank you for having me. The increasing hybrid threats and kinetic attacks we’re witnessing are a major concern for the Baltic states. It’s crucial for us to remain calm but also vigilant to ensure a unified response. The recent cable damage in the Baltic Sea underscores the importance of coordination among our nations.
Interviewer: Absolutely. You mentioned the cable damage; can you elaborate on its significance?
Dr. Anna Shimonite: Certainly. This incident emphasizes not just the vulnerability of our critical infrastructure, but also how reliant we are on cooperation between countries like Lithuania, Sweden, and Finland. The investigations underway are crucial; based on their findings, we can adopt appropriate responses, which may involve our EU and NATO allies imposing restrictive measures.
Interviewer: That brings to mind the comments from Lithuania’s Prime Minister regarding the outgoing government forming new strategies. What are your thoughts on the political dynamics at play here?
Dr. Anna Shimonite: The political environment is quite significant. As Lithuania undergoes a governmental transition, continuity in strategic defense discussions is essential. The new government will need to maintain a unified stance on these security threats. It’s also about fostering a proactive approach, ensuring that everyone is aligned even during political shifts.
Interviewer: Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa also spoke about the need for a coordinated approach among the Baltic states. How can this collaboration strengthen regional security?
Dr. Anna Shimonite: Collaboration is key. When the Baltic states coordinate their actions, they amplify their collective strength against threats. By sharing intelligence and resources, they can more effectively protect critical infrastructure. For example, sending ships for monitoring and investing in new technologies will bolster security capabilities across the region.
Interviewer: You mentioned new technologies—what kind of innovations are being discussed to safeguard the Baltic Sea’s infrastructure?
Dr. Anna Shimonite: Innovations in surveillance technologies, autonomous monitoring systems, and enhanced communication networks are crucial. These advancements can provide real-time data, helping countries respond swiftly to potential threats. However, as Prime Minister Siliņa highlighted, challenges will always exist, so continuous improvement and adaptation are vital.
Interviewer: Raising these issues at the level of NATO and the EU seems critical. How do you view the relationship between regional initiatives and broader alliances?
Dr. Anna Shimonite: It’s essential to integrate regional initiatives with the broader security framework provided by NATO and the EU. This relationship allows Baltic states to leverage additional support, particularly when it comes to imposing sanctions or reinforcing military presence in response to adversarial actions. Collective security means everyone contributes to and benefits from a stronger defensive posture.
Interviewer: Before we wrap up, what overarching message do you believe the Baltic states should prioritize moving forward?
Dr. Anna Shimonite: The overarching message is one of unity and preparedness. The Baltic nations must continue to strengthen their collaborative framework, not only for immediate threats but also for long-term security. The world is changing rapidly, and proactive, coordinated responses can significantly enhance our resilience against hybrid warfare and other aggressive actions.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Shimonite, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that collaboration and innovation will play critical roles in the security of the Baltic Sea region.
Dr. Anna Shimonite: Thank you for having me; it’s been a pleasure discussing these vital issues.