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https://news.yahoo.com/exclusive-putins-plans-to-keep-the-baltics-in-check-220033457.html>
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Yahoo News has obtained confidential strategy documents drawn up by the
Kremlin that reveal Russia’s ambitious plans to exert its influence in the
Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Formerly annexed states of the Soviet Union, all three are now proud NATO and
EU members with governments fiercely critical of Russia’s foreign policy.
Among other things, the documents show Moscow’s intention to thwart the
construction of NATO military bases, weaken the local democratic governments,
expand Russian cultural and linguistic influence and bolster pro-Kremlin
political organizations. But in a running theme throughout the documents, which
were drafted in 2021, Russia’s subsequent invasion of Ukraine has undermined
almost every aspect of the plans.
“Estonia, our allies and partners have long been aware of Russia’s interest to
use hybrid tactics to pursue their goals and try to assert their influence in
other countries,” Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas told Yahoo News. “It’s
Russia’s classic playbook — many of their tactics are taken straight from the
KGB.
“We know our neighbor,” she continued. “Our job is to continuously share our
knowledge of Russia’s actions, build resilience and stand against Russia’s
direct and indirect attempts of influence. We have had to bolster our defenses
to stand up against any threat, including hybrid threats. And it’s also crucial
to discuss these matters publicly.”
Ingrida Šimonytė, the Lithuanian prime minister, similarly told Yahoo News
after reading the Russian plan for her country that it was all something “you
would usually suspect.”
“Latvia has been facing Russia’s desire to strengthen and expand its influence
in neighboring countries since the restoration of independence,” said Krišjānis
Kariņš, the Latvian prime minister. “Latvia maintains a realistic view of
Russia's foreign policy and its initiatives. At the international level, Latvia
actively advocates for and promotes Russia’s isolation.”"
Via Joerg Fliege and Susan ****
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
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mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
