Why is the Baltic region important to Russia?
Presently, the Baltic has major international shipping routes, with the Baltic States controlling a major share of the trade since Russia lost over 50\% of their harbors on the sea. The Baltic Sea is still very much a political area, important for both naval strength as well as economic gain.
Why did the Baltic states join NATO?
The declaration to join NATO symbolised efforts and wish of the Baltic states to become part of European family. NATO was perceived not just merely as military alliance with security guarantees under Article 5, but as a symbol of civilised world, where Baltic states should find their proper place.
When did Baltic states join NATO?
29 March 2004
In 2002, the Baltic governments applied to join the European Union and become members of NATO. All three became NATO members on 29 March 2004, and joined the EU on 1 May 2004. The Baltic states are currently the only former Soviet states to have joined either the Union or the military alliance.
Why is Russia a threat to the Baltic states?
Furthermore, Russia’s significant forces in the Kaliningrad Oblast could aggravate NATO’s military disadvantage. These allow Russia to threaten the Baltic states from two directions and could delay or even impede rapid NATO reinforcement of the Baltic states in a conflict (see chapters 2.2.
When did Russia invade the Baltic states?
June 1940
The occupation of the Baltic states involved the June 1940 invasion of the Red Army, and the subsequent military occupation of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania by the Soviet Union, under the leadership of Stalin and auspices of the August 1939 Nazi-Soviet Pact that had been signed immediately before the outbreak of World …
Is Russia a threat to the Baltic states?
Due to their location and military weakness, the three Baltic countries may feel particularly fearful of Russian pressure. It is only with the continued military support from the North Atlantic Alliance that these states could hope to deter Moscow.
Why do the Baltic states need protection?
While small in size and population, the Baltic states are key NATO members and staunch defenders of economic freedom, liberal democracy, and human rights. Deterring Russian aggression and defending the Baltic states will be far easier and cheaper than liberating them.
Why did Russia invade Baltic states?
In September and October 1939, the Soviet government compelled the Baltic states to conclude mutual assistance pacts which gave it the right to establish Soviet military bases. In May 1940, the Soviets turned to the idea of direct military intervention, but still intended to rule through puppet regimes.
Why did Stalin invade the Baltics?
Red Army invades The Baltic governments had decided that, given their international isolation and the overwhelming Soviet forces on their borders and already on their territories, it was futile to actively resist and better to avoid bloodshed in an unwinnable war.
Could Russia outrun NATO in Eastern Europe?
The Obama administration just announced a multi-billion dollar program to bolster U.S. forces in Eastern Europe. Now a Rand Corporation report warning that Russia could easily overrun the three Baltic members of NATO is raising additional alarm.
What is Russia’s motive for attacking the Baltic states?
More than any territorial gains, Russia’s greatest motive vis-à-vis the Baltic States is to undermine the NATO Alliance and the collective security guarantees provided by Article 5 of the NATO Treaty.
Where are the Russian minorities in the Baltic states?
Russia’s Motives in the Baltic States. In Latvia, Russian minorities are mainly concentrated in two locations: Riga, the capital city, and the region of Latgale that borders Russia. Likewise Estonia’s sizable Russian minorities are concentrated in the capital of Tallinn and Ida-Viru County on the border with Russia.
Why does Russia fly close to NATO aircraft and ships?
Russia in turn has expressed dissatisfaction with NATO’s presence in the Baltics, and its aircraft repeatedly fly close to NATO aircraft and ships to gauge their response times.