In this LSE IDEAS Special Report, the authors focus on the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the Baltics. The report highlights both collective and country-level impacts and responses to the conflict. It is argued that Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have been among the top supporters of Ukraine, not merely in terms of military aid, but also with regards to providing substantial diplomatic and humanitarian support during Ukraine’s darkest hour since the breakup of the Soviet Union. Moreover, it is argued that this literal and metaphorical winter will be a key challenge, not only for Ukraine, but also for the Baltics. Given how closely the fate of Ukraine is intertwined with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, the manner in which the Baltics and NATO respond to the winter could significantly influence the Russia-Ukraine war. A key strategic priority for the Baltics and NATO should be to promote resilience of everything from defense to energy security. Accordingly, the Report concludes with a variety of key policy recommendations aimed at the Baltics, EU and NATO.
Download the report:
Winter Is Coming: The Baltics and The Russia-Ukraine War
Dr. Leon Hartwell is Senior Associate at LSE IDEAS and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) in Washington D.C.
Agnė Rakštytė is International Strategy Forum European Fellow at Schmidt Futures and defense and security industry professional.
Julia Ryng is Project and Research Associate at LSE IDEAS and a PhD candidate in the Arts and Humanities Faculty at University College London.
Ēriks Kristiāns Selga is a Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) in Washington D.C. and a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Law at the University of Hong Kong.