Ukrainian journalist: The Baltics need more than evacuation plans — they must also help weaken Russia's economy

Ukrainian journalist Vitaliy Portnikov believes that border states, including the Baltic countries and Poland, cannot rely solely on prepared evacuation plans for civilians in case of crisis. He argues it is equally important to actively contribute now to weakening Russia's economy, since without sufficient financial resources Moscow would be unable to carry out military aggression against other countries.

The Kremlin's goals remain unchanged

According to the outlet Dialog.ua, the journalist stresses that Baltic politicians and the public must understand that Moscow's methods have not changed. This is not merely about intimidation or hybrid warfare, he says, but about a deliberate effort by the Kremlin and its supporters to bring neighboring countries under its control.

Portnikov states that the aggressor's plans include forcibly displacing populations, forcibly altering demographic composition, and turning the Baltic states into subjugated territories where any trace of their former independence would be erased.

Belarus as a warning example

As an illustration of such a scenario, the journalist points to Belarus, which is gradually losing the hallmarks of national statehood because its leadership is a collaborator closely tied to Russia. For this reason, he says, the potential threat facing the Baltic states must be taken very seriously.

In conclusion, Portnikov states that Western countries' task is not only to prepare for rescuing civilians from possible atrocities, but also to simultaneously and deliberately undermine Russia's economic, political and military potential. Only such an approach, he believes, can push Russia to focus on its own internal problems rather than continuing to threaten the existence of its neighboring states.