The Baltics Construct New Defensive Line Amid Tensions with Russia

The Baltic states have launched a joint 10-year initiative to fortify roughly 600 miles of their eastern borders. The plan includes the construction of around 1,000 concrete bunkers, trenches, anti-tank ditches, ammunition depots, and supply shelters.

Despite this effort, there are growing concerns that the vulnerable stretch of NATO’s eastern flank could become an early target for Russia—especially after a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Some also fear the project may not be completed in time, according to The Gaze, citing The Telegraph.

“Putin is not going to let us wait those 10 years,” warned Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s former foreign minister.

“The most dangerous time for the Baltics will be immediately after a ceasefire in Ukraine,” he added.

Lithuania’s defense minister, Dovile Sakaliene, emphasized the urgency and determination behind the plan, saying the “strategic message” is that “we are prepared to use absolutely everything” to defend against invasion.

The urgency is underscored by early lessons from the war in Ukraine. In the initial months of Russia’s full-scale invasion, its forces seized up to 54,000 square miles—more than double the size of Lithuania. The combined population of the Baltic states is approximately 6.5 to 7 million, compared to Ukraine’s pre-war population of 41 million.

To enhance defensive capabilities, the Baltic states, Poland, and Finland have recently withdrawn from international treaties banning landmines and cluster munitions.

While NATO maintains “tripwire” forces in the Baltics, regional leaders are pushing for permanent, combat-ready brigades.  

In response to the heightened threat from Russia’s nearby exclave Kaliningrad, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania will each allocate $75.6 million—significant portions of their defence budgets—to the project. 

Meanwhile, Poland is advancing its own $2.4 billion “East Shield” along its eastern border.

As The Gaze previously reported, Poland and Romania took over the NATO air policing mission in the Baltic States from the Lithuanian air base in Siauliai on 31 March.

Read more on The Gaze: Baltic Nations Prepare for War with Russia