Lithuania warns Russian economy is 'built on war'
The Lithuanian government fears the Baltic states will be Russia’s logical next target because the Kremlin has gone over a cliff in transforming the country’s economy into a war machine.
TL;DR
- Lithuania fears the Baltic states could be Russia's next target due to the country's economy being transformed into a war machine.
- Russian Minister of National Defense Robertas Kaunas stated that Russia's economy is 'built on war' and warned of potential new conflicts after Ukraine.
- Dmitry Medvedev warned Europeans that their authorities have entered into a war with Russia.
- Approximately 40% of Russia's national budget is now allocated to military expenses and defense spending.
- Russia is perceived as capable of building significantly more weapons than all of Europe combined.
- The Baltic states are considered vulnerable targets due to their small size, strategic location, and a GDP significantly lower than some US cities.
- The Suwalki Gap, Lithuania's border with Poland, is identified as a weak point in NATO's perimeter.
- The Baltic states consistently contribute at least 5% of their GDP to national defense.
- Latvia and Estonia are installing border infrastructure, such as anti-tank barriers and fortifications, to prevent unauthorized travel and crossings.
- A report suggests Russia's war footing may become unsustainable without a transition to mandatory conscription, which would involve curtailing market freedoms and could be disruptive and unpopular.