Russia preparing attacks on critical infrastructure in Baltics or Poland, Lithuania and Latvia warn

Russia is actively preparing to attack critical infrastructure in the Baltic states and Poland, according to warnings issued by the presidents of Lithuania and Latvia.

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We are talking about energy and transport infrastructure - facilities where damage could (...) disrupt the functioning of the entire energy system.

These alerts, based on intelligence reports, suggest that Russia is planning sabotage and hybrid attacks aimed at energy and transport facilities. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda stated that damage to these installations could disrupt entire energy systems. He emphasized that this planning is occurring at the highest levels in Moscow.

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This planning is happening at the highest level, specifically in Moscow.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics added that the Baltic nations, along with other NATO members, must prepare for provocative actions from Russia. He believes Russia aims to test NATO's mutual defense pact, Article 5, amidst its ongoing war in Ukraine. Rinkevics warned that Russia might indirectly test the alliance's response mechanisms even without a total victory in Ukraine.

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the information we receive from Lithuania, Latvia, other NATO countries, as well as intelligence services from various states, shows various attempts to prepare sabotage and hybrid attacks.

These warnings echo concerns previously voiced by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who anticipated "various types of escalation" in the coming weeks and months, describing the situation as "very unstable." Baltic and Polish officials have already attributed several provocations, including arson and cyberattacks, to Moscow. The Kremlin, through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, has dismissed these warnings as "a new batch of scary tales" intended to fuel militarization.

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Even without total victory in Ukraine, Russia could indirectly test Article 5 and the response mechanisms at the alliance and European Union level.