Neighbors Fortify: NATO Countries Boost Eastern Defenses

Lithuania has taken a unique step to protect its borders by installing concrete anti-tank barricades, often called "dragon's teeth, " near the Russian enclave it shares a border with. Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas shared pictures of these fortifications on social media, highlighting plans to demolish some bridges and ensure backup firepower for security against potential threats. This move comes amidst increased tension caused by Russia’s actions in Ukraine, which has put NATO’s eastern borders on high alert. Other Baltic states like Latvia have also joined in these defensive measures. Just recently, Latvia deployed mobile combat groups along with air defense missiles near the Russian border. They've even set up specialized radars to detect any drone activity. Russia's actions, such as drones landing on NATO territory, have raised concerns. Experts believe these incidents could be unintentional, but they highlight a growing need for NATO to respond collectively.The Baltic Defense Line, a joint project by Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, aims to fortify their borders to prevent any similar threats to those faced in Ukraine. Poland has a similar plan, called the Eastern Shield, to strengthen its borders with Russia and Belarus by 2028. Defense expert Roger Hilton from GLOBSEC says these measures aren't just about protection. They also ensure that NATO's role would be to defend, not liberate, territory if any conflict arises. The threat Russia poses to Baltic states is not just military but also involves potential internal conflicts among ethnic minorities. NATO members have also accused Russia of less obvious attacks, like disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks. Countries like Finland, which recently joined NATO, have closed borders and dealt with issues like GPS jamming that affects air traffic control. NATO's new secretary-general, Mark Rutte, is working on building a consensus about the Russian threat. Recently, he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U. K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss increased support for Ukraine.