Ukraine to Aid Baltic States in Countering Russian Disinformation

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that Ukraine will provide assistance to Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia in their efforts to combat Russian disinformation campaigns, particularly those regarding the alleged use of Baltic airspace by Ukrainian drones.

Speaking to reporters on April 22, Sybiha highlighted Russia’s intensifying information warfare targeting the Baltic region. “The Russians are particularly active in spreading disinformation in the Baltic states. They are sending the message that you have provided your airspace for the use of Ukrainian drones. There are also other aspects,” Sybiha explained.

The minister confirmed that the Baltic nations have formally requested Ukraine’s support in defusing tensions resulting from Russia’s increasingly threatening rhetoric. “Of course, we will help our friends,” Sybiha stated, emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to its Baltic allies.

This cooperation comes as the Baltic states face mounting security challenges from their eastern neighbor. Estonia’s foreign intelligence service recently warned that Europe must strengthen its defense and internal security measures to deter Russian aggression against NATO countries.

Kaupo Rosin, head of Estonian intelligence, stressed the importance of continued military investment, noting that “Europe must invest in defense and internal security so that… in the future, Russia would conclude it has no chance against NATO countries.” As a frontline NATO member sharing a border with Russia, Estonia has been among the most vocal critics of Moscow’s actions and has steadfastly supported Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began.

According to Estonian intelligence assessments, Russian officials are closely monitoring Europe’s defense initiatives with growing concern as military capabilities across the continent continue to expand. This suggests that NATO’s deterrence strategy may be having its intended effect, though Baltic officials warn against complacency.

The three Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—are simultaneously developing comprehensive emergency evacuation plans in response to escalating security concerns. These concerns have been fueled by Russia’s dramatic increase in military spending and its increasingly aggressive posture since launching the invasion of Ukraine.

Having experienced Soviet occupation during the Cold War, these NATO allies have consistently warned about the multifaceted threat posed by Russia. Beyond conventional military concerns, they have experienced firsthand Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics, including cyberattacks, sophisticated disinformation campaigns, and violations of their airspace by Russian aircraft and drones.

In response to these threats, all three Baltic nations have significantly increased their defense budgets, with Latvia and Estonia now spending over 3% of GDP on defense—well above NATO’s 2% target. Lithuania has followed suit with similar increases, focusing particularly on border fortification along its frontier with Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave.

The Baltic states’ civil defense plans encompass a range of scenarios, from large-scale military emergencies to more limited hybrid attacks. These preparations include citizen training, stockpiling of essential supplies, and coordination of evacuation routes—measures considered prudent given their geographical vulnerability.

International security experts note that Russian disinformation campaigns targeting the Baltics follow a familiar pattern: creating false narratives that could potentially serve as pretexts for escalation. By claiming Baltic countries are allowing Ukrainian drones to use their airspace, Moscow could be laying groundwork for justifying future provocations.

Ukraine’s offer of assistance in countering these disinformation efforts represents an important expansion of cooperation between Kyiv and the Baltic states, who have been among Ukraine’s strongest supporters in Europe. The collaboration will likely involve intelligence sharing, joint media monitoring, and coordinated public messaging to expose and neutralize Russian propaganda efforts before they gain traction.