NATO countries bordering Russia, including the three Baltic nations, Finland, Norway, and Poland are planning to develop a “drone wall” system to help defend their borders amid the ongoing war with Ukraine and following a series of “provocations.”

<h2>About the protective ‘drone wall’</h2>

Officials from six NATO countries, Finland, Norway, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania said that they had discussed creating a coordinated system of drones to help defend their collective borders along Russia.&nbsp;

Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite announced the plan after talks with her counterparts from the other Baltic nations as well as Finland, Norway and Poland.&nbsp;

“This is a completely new thing, a drone wall stretching from Norway to Poland, and the goal is to use drones and other technologies to protect our borders,” Bilotaite told news agency BNS.&nbsp;

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She also spoke about how the countries would not only use physical infrastructure, and surveillance systems but also drones and other technology to protect themselves against “provocations from unfriendly countries and to prevent smuggling.”

Along with drones to monitor the border the six NATO countries will also use anti-drone systems to stop enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).&nbsp;

Estonia’s Interior Minister Lauri Laanemets also noted the importance of UAVs amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

“As we see in the case of Ukraine, there is a constant race between the adversaries to develop technology, and new ways to use drones are continually being found in warfare,” Laanemets said as quoted by The Baltic Times.

<h2>Why now?&nbsp;</h2>

Last year, several European countries, including Finland and Poland, which share a border with Russia accused Moscow of pushing its migrants to destabilise the nations and engage in “hybrid warfare”.&nbsp;

Hybrid attacks deploy non-military measures that tend to have an element of deniability, a method that Russia has been accused of using in European nations. Moscow has repeatedly denied these claims.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the United States-led alliance issued a sharp warning over “hostile” Russian activity across Europe and called it a threat to Western security.&nbsp;

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In a statement, NATO, on May 2 accused Russia of carrying out “sabotage, acts of violence, cyber and electronic interference, disinformation campaigns, and other hybrid operations.”

Baltic nations have also repeatedly said that Russia has been intentionally jamming GPS navigation systems in their region, causing major disruption in air travel.

Earlier this month, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Warsaw has joined the European Sky Shield Initiative, which involves 21 NATO countries which will establish an Iron Dome-like air defence system to take out incoming missiles and drones.

(With inputs from agencies)

NATO countries bordering Russia, including the three Baltic nations, Finland, Norway, and Poland are planning to develop a “drone wall” system to help defend their borders amid the ongoing war with Ukraine and following a series of “provocations.

NATO countries bordering Russia, including the three Baltic nations, Finland, Norway, and Poland are planning to develop a “drone wall” system to help defend their borders amid the ongoing war with Ukraine and following a series of “provocations.” About the protective ‘drone wall’ Officials from six NATO countries, Finland, Norway, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania said that they had discussed creating a coordinated system of drones to help defend their collective borders along Russia. Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite announced the plan after talks with her counterparts from the other Baltic nations as well as Finland, Norway and Poland. “This is a completely new thing, a drone wall stretching from Norway to Poland, and the goal is to use drones and other technologies to protect our borders,” Bilotaite told news agency BNS. Also Read | Zelensky urges Biden and Xi to attend Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland next month She also spoke about how the countries would not only use physical infrastructure, and surveillance systems but also drones and other technology to protect themselves against “provocations from unfriendly countries and to prevent smuggling.” Along with drones to monitor the border the six NATO countries will also use anti-drone systems to stop enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Estonia’s Interior Minister Lauri Laanemets also noted the importance of UAVs amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. “As we see in the case of Ukraine, there is a constant race between the adversaries to develop technology, and new ways to use drones are continually being found in warfare,” Laanemets said as quoted by The Baltic Times. Why now? Last year, several European countries, including Finland and Poland, which share a border with Russia accused Moscow of pushing its migrants to destabilise the nations and engage in “hybrid warfare”. Hybrid attacks deploy non-military measures that tend to have an element of deniability, a method that Russia has been accused of using in European nations. Moscow has repeatedly denied these claims. Earlier this month, the United States-led alliance issued a sharp warning over “hostile” Russian activity across Europe and called it a threat to Western security. Also Read | Gaza war: Hamas armed wing launches ‘big missile’ attack on Tel Aviv In a statement, NATO, on May 2 accused Russia of carrying out “sabotage, acts of violence, cyber and electronic interference, disinformation campaigns, and other hybrid operations.” Baltic nations have also repeatedly said that Russia has been intentionally jamming GPS navigation systems in their region, causing major disruption in air travel. Earlier this month, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Warsaw has joined the European Sky Shield Initiative, which involves 21 NATO countries which will establish an Iron Dome-like air defence system to take out incoming missiles and drones. (With inputs from agencies)

NATO countries plan to create protective ‘drone wall’ along Russian border

Russia has placed Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Lithuania’s culture minister and other officials from Baltic nations on its “wanted” list on Tuesday (Feb 13) for their alleged involvement in the destruction of Soviet-era monuments.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Only the beginning’</h2>

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the Estonian PM is wanted for “desecration of historical memory”.&nbsp;

The monuments, in question, some of which commemorate the Red Army, have long been controversial in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as they are seen as a symbol of a time when they were under Soviet occupation.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago, the three Baltic nations Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have demolished most of their Soviet-era monuments.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Will NATO be dismantled? | True cost of receiving US’ protection in NATO

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Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called the recent move “only the beginning,” adding that &nbsp;“Crimes against the memory of the world’s liberators from Nazism and fascism must be prosecuted.”&nbsp;

The Kremlin has said those placed on the “wanted” list by the Russian police had taken “hostile actions against historical memory” and Russia.

In addition to the Estonian PM, Estonia’s State Secretary Taimar Peterkop, and Karol Nawrocki, the head of Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance, were also added to the “wanted” list, according to the Russian media. &nbsp;

A report by Reuters, citing the Russian interior ministry’s database, said the list also includes 60 of the 100 members of the previous Latvian parliament, including former Interior Minister Marija Golubeva. The previous parliament’s term ended in November 2022.

Meanwhile, Lithuanian Culture Minister Simonas Kairys who was also included in the list has since slammed Russia accusing it of distorting facts.&nbsp;

“The regime is doing what it has always done: it is trying to stifle freedom...and to continue to create its own version that is at odds with facts or logic,” he told AFP.

Also&nbsp;Read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-dismisses-europes-warnings-about-russian-propaganda-689872">Kremlin dismisses Europe’s warnings about ‘Russian propaganda’</a>

The relations between the three countries and Russia have significantly deteriorated since the Russian invasion, not to mention the three Baltic nations are members of the European Union and NATO who have shown their staunch support for Ukraine since the beginning of the war. &nbsp;

<h2>‘Scare tactics’</h2>

In response to Moscow’s move, Kallas on Tuesday slammed Russian “scare tactics” and called it unsurprising. “The Russian Federation's move isn't surprising because this is their usual scare tactics,” said the Estonian PM in a statement.&nbsp;

She also vowed to further support war-torn Ukraine and fight “Russian propaganda”.&nbsp;

<h2>Will the Estonian PM, Baltic politicians be arrested?</h2>

In addition to the “wanted” list, the head of the Russian Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin has since ordered a criminal investigation into the matter. However, the Russian interior ministry database did not specify under which article of the criminal code the wanted are prosecuted.

The dozens of Baltic officials, including mayors, and municipal deputies who are included in the “wanted” list, according to Russian state news agency TASS have been accused of “destroying monuments to Soviet soldiers,” which is punishable by a five-year prison term under the Russian criminal code.

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However, the Baltic politicians and the Estonian PM would not be arrested unless they enter Russian territory.

The Soviet-era monuments which were destroyed also included those commemorating Soviet soldiers killed in World War II. The Baltic states were annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940, then occupied by Nazi Germany before returning to Russian rule as part of the Soviet Communist bloc until its collapse in 1991.&nbsp;

<h2>Estonia’s warning for the West&nbsp;</h2>

On Tuesday, the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service in its national security threats report, warned that Russia is preparing for a military confrontation with the West within the next decade.&nbsp;

“Russia has chosen a path which is a long-term confrontation...and the Kremlin is probably anticipating a possible conflict with NATO within the next decade or so,” Kaupo Rosin told reporters.&nbsp;

“If we are not prepared, the likelihood (of a military Russian attack) would be much higher than without any preparation,” Rosin added.

However, the report also noted that a military attack by Russia in the short term is “highly unlikely” given that Moscow has to keep troops in Ukraine, but it&nbsp;plans to double the number of forces stationed along its border with NATO members Finland and the three Baltic nations.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Russia has placed Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Lithuania’s culture minister and other officials from Baltic nations on its “wanted” list on Tuesday (Feb 13) for their alleged involvement in the destruction of Soviet-era monuments.

Russia has placed Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Lithuania’s culture minister and other officials from Baltic nations on its “wanted” list on Tuesday (Feb 13) for their alleged involvement in the destruction of Soviet-era monuments. ‘Only the beginning’ Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the Estonian PM is wanted for “desecration of historical memory”. The monuments, in question, some of which commemorate the Red Army, have long been controversial in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as they are seen as a symbol of a time when they were under Soviet occupation. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago, the three Baltic nations Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have demolished most of their Soviet-era monuments. WATCH | Will NATO be dismantled? | True cost of receiving US’ protection in NATO Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called the recent move “only the beginning,” adding that “Crimes against the memory of the world’s liberators from Nazism and fascism must be prosecuted.” The Kremlin has said those placed on the “wanted” list by the Russian police had taken “hostile actions against historical memory” and Russia. In addition to the Estonian PM, Estonia’s State Secretary Taimar Peterkop, and Karol Nawrocki, the head of Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance, were also added to the “wanted” list, according to the Russian media. A report by Reuters, citing the Russian interior ministry’s database, said the list also includes 60 of the 100 members of the previous Latvian parliament, including former Interior Minister Marija Golubeva. The previous parliament’s term ended in November 2022. Meanwhile, Lithuanian Culture Minister Simonas Kairys who was also included in the list has since slammed Russia accusing it of distorting facts. “The regime is doing what it has always done: it is trying to stifle freedom...and to continue to create its own version that is at odds with facts or logic,” he told AFP. Also Read | Kremlin dismisses Europe’s warnings about ‘Russian propaganda’ The relations between the three countries and Russia have significantly deteriorated since the Russian invasion, not to mention the three Baltic nations are members of the European Union and NATO who have shown their staunch support for Ukraine since the beginning of the war. ‘Scare tactics’ In response to Moscow’s move, Kallas on Tuesday slammed Russian “scare tactics” and called it unsurprising. “The Russian Federation's move isn't surprising because this is their usual scare tactics,” said the Estonian PM in a statement. She also vowed to further support war-torn Ukraine and fight “Russian propaganda”. Will the Estonian PM, Baltic politicians be arrested? In addition to the “wanted” list, the head of the Russian Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin has since ordered a criminal investigation into the matter. However, the Russian interior ministry database did not specify under which article of the criminal code the wanted are prosecuted. The dozens of Baltic officials, including mayors, and municipal deputies who are included in the “wanted” list, according to Russian state news agency TASS have been accused of “destroying monuments to Soviet soldiers,” which is punishable by a five-year prison term under the Russian criminal code. Also Read | Ukraine’s Zelensky arrives in Lithuania on visit to Baltic allies with focus on war, EU integration However, the Baltic politicians and the Estonian PM would not be arrested unless they enter Russian territory. The Soviet-era monuments which were destroyed also included those commemorating Soviet soldiers killed in World War II. The Baltic states were annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940, then occupied by Nazi Germany before returning to Russian rule as part of the Soviet Communist bloc until its collapse in 1991. Estonia’s warning for the West On Tuesday, the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service in its national security threats report, warned that Russia is preparing for a military confrontation with the West within the next decade. “Russia has chosen a path which is a long-term confrontation...and the Kremlin is probably anticipating a possible conflict with NATO within the next decade or so,” Kaupo Rosin told reporters. “If we are not prepared, the likelihood (of a military Russian attack) would be much higher than without any preparation,” Rosin added. However, the report also noted that a military attack by Russia in the short term is “highly unlikely” given that Moscow has to keep troops in Ukraine, but it plans to double the number of forces stationed along its border with NATO members Finland and the three Baltic nations. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia puts Estonian PM Kaja Kallas, Baltic politicians on ‘wanted’ list for this reason

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Lithuania on Wednesday (Jan 10) marking the beginning of his tour to three Baltic states to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine with Russia and Kyiv’s plans to join the European Union and NATO.&nbsp;

<h2>Zelensky in Vilnius&nbsp;</h2>

The Ukrainian president took to X to announce his arrival at the Lithuanian capital. The three Baltic states and all former Soviet republics – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – have been Ukraine’s staunchest allies since the beginning of the war.&nbsp;

During his visit to&nbsp;Lithuania, the Ukrainian president spoke about how&nbsp;his country, facing renewed aerial attacks from Russia is lacking&nbsp;air-defence systems.&nbsp;

He also spoke about any&nbsp;delays in Western aid to Kyiv will&nbsp;embolden the Kremlin. "He (Russian President Vladimir Putin) is not going to stop. He wants to occupy us completely," said the Ukrainian president.&nbsp;

He added, "And sometimes, the insecurity of partners regarding financial and military aid to Ukraine only increases Russia's courage and strength."

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-enters-new-phase-putin-trying-to-convince-west-to-betray-ukraine-676231">Russia-Ukraine war enters new phase, Putin 'trying to convince West to betray Ukraine'</a>

“Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are our reliable friends and principled partners. Today, I arrived in Vilnius before going to Tallinn and Riga,” said Zelensky in a post on X upon his arrival in Vilnius.&nbsp;

Zelensky is also set to hold talks with his Lithuanian counterpart President Gitanas Nausėda, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, as well as lawmakers and people from the Ukrainian community in Lithuania.&nbsp;

“Security, EU and NATO integration, cooperation on electronic warfare and drones, and further coordination of European support are all on the agenda,” said the Ukrainian president.&nbsp;

According to Nauseda’s office, the presidents of both countries will hold talks and a joint press conference. The Ukrainian leader will also give a public speech.&nbsp;

<h2>First official trip abroad in 2024</h2>

The Baltic tour marks Zelensky’s first official trip abroad this year. The visit to the three countries also comes as other Kyiv allies in the West are hesitant to give the war-torn country more aid, nearly two years since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

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On Monday (Jan 8), German Chancellor Olaf Scholz blasted several countries in the 27-nation bloc for not delivering sufficient weapons to Ukraine amid its war with Russia.&nbsp;

He noted that with American military assistance to Ukraine stalled in the United States Congress, allies in the EU need to step up, reiterating that the German government would support Kyiv for as long as necessary.

While Berlin had faced criticism during the initial months of the invasion for failing to step up and provide military backing to Kyiv, it is now among the top providers of both weapons and financial aid to the war-torn country.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-says-trump-presidency-could-have-strong-impact-on-war-671508">Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky says Trump presidency could have 'strong impact' on war</a>

“As significant as the German contribution is, it will not be enough to ensure Ukraine’s security in the long run,” said Scholz, on Monday.&nbsp;

He added, “Therefore I call on allies in the European Union to strengthen their efforts regarding Ukraine. The planned weapons deliveries to Ukraine of most EU member states are not enough.”&nbsp;

Late last year, Germany agreed to double the country’s military aid for Ukraine in 2024 to 8 billion euros ($8.8 billion).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Lithuania on Wednesday (Jan 10) marking the beginning of his tour to three Baltic states to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine with Russia and Kyiv’s plans to join the European Union and NATO.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Lithuania on Wednesday (Jan 10) marking the beginning of his tour to three Baltic states to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine with Russia and Kyiv’s plans to join the European Union and NATO. Zelensky in Vilnius The Ukrainian president took to X to announce his arrival at the Lithuanian capital. The three Baltic states and all former Soviet republics – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – have been Ukraine’s staunchest allies since the beginning of the war. During his visit to Lithuania, the Ukrainian president spoke about how his country, facing renewed aerial attacks from Russia is lacking air-defence systems. He also spoke about any delays in Western aid to Kyiv will embolden the Kremlin. "He (Russian President Vladimir Putin) is not going to stop. He wants to occupy us completely," said the Ukrainian president. He added, "And sometimes, the insecurity of partners regarding financial and military aid to Ukraine only increases Russia's courage and strength." ALSO WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war enters new phase, Putin 'trying to convince West to betray Ukraine' “Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are our reliable friends and principled partners. Today, I arrived in Vilnius before going to Tallinn and Riga,” said Zelensky in a post on X upon his arrival in Vilnius. Zelensky is also set to hold talks with his Lithuanian counterpart President Gitanas Nausėda, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, as well as lawmakers and people from the Ukrainian community in Lithuania. “Security, EU and NATO integration, cooperation on electronic warfare and drones, and further coordination of European support are all on the agenda,” said the Ukrainian president. According to Nauseda’s office, the presidents of both countries will hold talks and a joint press conference. The Ukrainian leader will also give a public speech. First official trip abroad in 2024 The Baltic tour marks Zelensky’s first official trip abroad this year. The visit to the three countries also comes as other Kyiv allies in the West are hesitant to give the war-torn country more aid, nearly two years since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. ALSO READ | Kyiv mayor under scrutiny for buying $6 million mansion in Germany: Reports On Monday (Jan 8), German Chancellor Olaf Scholz blasted several countries in the 27-nation bloc for not delivering sufficient weapons to Ukraine amid its war with Russia. He noted that with American military assistance to Ukraine stalled in the United States Congress, allies in the EU need to step up, reiterating that the German government would support Kyiv for as long as necessary. While Berlin had faced criticism during the initial months of the invasion for failing to step up and provide military backing to Kyiv, it is now among the top providers of both weapons and financial aid to the war-torn country. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky says Trump presidency could have 'strong impact' on war “As significant as the German contribution is, it will not be enough to ensure Ukraine’s security in the long run,” said Scholz, on Monday. He added, “Therefore I call on allies in the European Union to strengthen their efforts regarding Ukraine. The planned weapons deliveries to Ukraine of most EU member states are not enough.” Late last year, Germany agreed to double the country’s military aid for Ukraine in 2024 to 8 billion euros ($8.8 billion). (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine’s Zelensky arrives in Lithuania on visit to Baltic allies with focus on war, EU integration

The Latvian lawmakers, on Wednesday (May 31) elected the popular and long-time foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics as the Baltic nation’s next president, said the country’s Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins.

The 49-year-old will also become the first openly gay president in the Baltic nation&nbsp;and will represent the European Union and NATO member nations at the security alliance’s upcoming summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.

<h2>Rinkevics’ election&nbsp;</h2>

Rinkevics will serve a four-year term and is expected to be sworn in on July 8. Latvia’s long-time top diplomat received 52 votes from the 100-seat Saeima legislature, one&nbsp;more than what was required to win.&nbsp;

He was contesting against businessman Uldis Pilens who managed to garner 25 votes in the third round of voting. Meanwhile, the third candidate, Elina Pinto, dropped out of the race. Rinkevics ran as the candidate of his and PM Karins’ New Unity party.

The incumbent President Egils Levits, who took office in 2019, did not seek re-election after Karins’ three-party coalition could not agree on a joint candidate. Reportedly, Levits said he would not run if that was the case.&nbsp;

After the election, Rinkevics took to Twitter and wrote, “I am honoured and humbled to be elected as President of the Republic of Latvia, I will do my best to serve the people of Latvia well. I thank Members of Parliament for their trust.”&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know about the&nbsp;president-elect?</h2>

Rinkevics has held multiple posts in the Latvian government, including that of state secretary and&nbsp;the defence ministry. According to reports, he also worked as a journalist at Latvian Radio in the 1990s. He has been a popular figure in Latvian politics as well as among the 1.9 million people of the Baltic nation, because of his tough stance against Russia and staunch support for Ukraine.&nbsp;

After the elections, Rinkevics addressed a press conference and reiterated his unwavering support for the war-torn country and urged countries to give Ukraine possible signals and reassurance of NATO membership in the upcoming summit which will be held in July in Lithuania.&nbsp;

The country’s top diplomat since 2011 will also become the first openly gay president among the former Soviet nations. He&nbsp;announced in 2014 that he is “proudly” homosexual. The 49-year-old is set to take the largely ceremonial position and will become Latvia’s 11th head of state since its independence in 1918.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The Latvian lawmakers, on Wednesday (May 31) elected the popular and long-time foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics as the Baltic nation’s next president, said the country’s Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins.

The Latvian lawmakers, on Wednesday (May 31) elected the popular and long-time foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics as the Baltic nation’s next president, said the country’s Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins. The 49-year-old will also become the first openly gay president in the Baltic nation and will represent the European Union and NATO member nations at the security alliance’s upcoming summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. Rinkevics’ election Rinkevics will serve a four-year term and is expected to be sworn in on July 8. Latvia’s long-time top diplomat received 52 votes from the 100-seat Saeima legislature, one more than what was required to win. He was contesting against businessman Uldis Pilens who managed to garner 25 votes in the third round of voting. Meanwhile, the third candidate, Elina Pinto, dropped out of the race. Rinkevics ran as the candidate of his and PM Karins’ New Unity party. The incumbent President Egils Levits, who took office in 2019, did not seek re-election after Karins’ three-party coalition could not agree on a joint candidate. Reportedly, Levits said he would not run if that was the case. After the election, Rinkevics took to Twitter and wrote, “I am honoured and humbled to be elected as President of the Republic of Latvia, I will do my best to serve the people of Latvia well. I thank Members of Parliament for their trust.” What do we know about the president-elect? Rinkevics has held multiple posts in the Latvian government, including that of state secretary and the defence ministry. According to reports, he also worked as a journalist at Latvian Radio in the 1990s. He has been a popular figure in Latvian politics as well as among the 1.9 million people of the Baltic nation, because of his tough stance against Russia and staunch support for Ukraine. After the elections, Rinkevics addressed a press conference and reiterated his unwavering support for the war-torn country and urged countries to give Ukraine possible signals and reassurance of NATO membership in the upcoming summit which will be held in July in Lithuania. The country’s top diplomat since 2011 will also become the first openly gay president among the former Soviet nations. He announced in 2014 that he is “proudly” homosexual. The 49-year-old is set to take the largely ceremonial position and will become Latvia’s 11th head of state since its independence in 1918. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Latvia’s parliament elects popular foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics as the new president

Poland believes it will be possible to build a coalition of some 40 countries by February 10, supporting the call to block Russian and Belarusian athletes from the 2024 Olympics, a Polish minister said.

Poland and the Baltic nations issue boycott call for the 2024 Olympics

Amid tensions with Russia over the Kaliningrad rail link, Lithuanian&nbsp;President Gitanas Nauseda said his country is ready to face "unfriendly actions" including disconnection from regional power grid BRELL.

Russia had threatened consequences against its Baltic neighbour after Lithuania declared it was blocking rail transit&nbsp;of Russian goods to the Kaliningrad enclave due to sanctions imposed&nbsp;by the European Union amid the Ukraine war.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-warns-against-expanding-military-alliances-490658">Also Read |&nbsp;'Ukraine crisis is a wakeup call': Xi Jinping warns against 'expanding military alliances'</a>

Reports claim Lithuania had installed equipment linked to the power grid in Poland to connect the European line in case Russia blocks electricity supply.

Kaliningrad has become the centre of a new row with the war underway in&nbsp;Ukraine for the past four months. The city is located between Poland and Lithuania with a strategically important rail link running through Lithuania. Both Poland and Lithuania are NATO members.

Watch:&nbsp;Why is Kaliningrad at center of row between Russia and Lithuania?

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Lithuania had shut the transport route for steel and other metal works coming from Russia under EU sanctions angering Putin's regime.

Germany backed its NATO ally asserting that Russia should "not take any measures that violate international law". Germany said it will deploy more troops along Lithuania to strengthen NATO's eastern flank bordering Russia.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, another Baltic state Estonia accussed Russia of "escalating its rhetoric and activities" with simulating missile attacks against targets in the Baltics including airspace violations with helicopters ahead of the NATO summit in Madrid.

Estonia's foreign ministry said it had summoned the Russian ambassador over airspace violation near the Koidula checkpoint where it said a Russian helicopter entered Estonian airspace without permission.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Amid tensions with Russia over the Kaliningrad rail link, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said his country is ready to face "unfriendly actions" including disconnection from regional power grid BRELL.

Amid tensions with Russia over the Kaliningrad rail link, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said his country is ready to face "unfriendly actions" including disconnection from regional power grid BRELL. Russia had threatened consequences against its Baltic neighbour after Lithuania declared it was blocking rail transit of Russian goods to the Kaliningrad enclave due to sanctions imposed by the European Union amid the Ukraine war. Also Read | 'Ukraine crisis is a wakeup call': Xi Jinping warns against 'expanding military alliances' Reports claim Lithuania had installed equipment linked to the power grid in Poland to connect the European line in case Russia blocks electricity supply. Kaliningrad has become the centre of a new row with the war underway in Ukraine for the past four months. The city is located between Poland and Lithuania with a strategically important rail link running through Lithuania. Both Poland and Lithuania are NATO members. Watch: Why is Kaliningrad at center of row between Russia and Lithuania? Lithuania had shut the transport route for steel and other metal works coming from Russia under EU sanctions angering Putin's regime. Germany backed its NATO ally asserting that Russia should "not take any measures that violate international law". Germany said it will deploy more troops along Lithuania to strengthen NATO's eastern flank bordering Russia. Meanwhile, another Baltic state Estonia accussed Russia of "escalating its rhetoric and activities" with simulating missile attacks against targets in the Baltics including airspace violations with helicopters ahead of the NATO summit in Madrid. Estonia's foreign ministry said it had summoned the Russian ambassador over airspace violation near the Koidula checkpoint where it said a Russian helicopter entered Estonian airspace without permission. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid tensions with Russia over Kaliningrad, Lithuania says ready to face power grid disconnection

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday emplaned for a five-day visit to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia with an aim to strengthen bilateral ties with the three Baltic nations.

Naidu is the first high-level dignitary from India to visit the three countries.

"Embarking on a 5-day tour to 3 Baltic nations, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to strengthen bilateral ties. Happy to be the first high-level dignitary from India to visit the 3 nations. Being bid farewell by representatives of embassies of 3 countries on my departure from Delhi today," Naidu said in a tweet before boarding the plane.

"Looking forward to productive delegation-level talks and fruitful interactions with heads of states, other dignitaries, business forums and the Indian diaspora," said another tweet.

Announcing the visit, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official A Gitesh Sarma had on Wednesday said that India and the Baltic countries have a historic connect and it is generally accepted that both have common linguistic roots notwithstanding the distance.

On his visit to Lithuania from August 17 to August 19, the Vice President will meet the president of Lithuania. An India Lithuania business forum will be coordinated by CII from the Indian side.

Thereafter, Naidu will visit Latvia from August 19 to 20 and will have bilateral meetings with the President, Prime Minister, acting speaker of the Saeima and other dignitaries. He will also unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the national library in the country.

ASSOCHAM is coordinating India-Latvia Business forum from the Indian side. Here Vice President will lay reet at the freedom monument of Latvia and will unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in the national library of Latvia.

While on his visit to Estonia, Vice President Naidu will address the heads of missions' conference. The India Estonia business forum would be led by CII from the Indian side.

"This is a historic visit in the sense that it is long-awaited and Vice President's visit would be the first-ever high-level visit to the three Baltic countries. This takes place when we are looking forward to increasing our political engagement as well a trade and commerce engagement," the MEA official had said.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday emplaned for a five-day visit to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia with an aim to strengthen bilateral ties with the three Baltic nations.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday emplaned for a five-day visit to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia with an aim to strengthen bilateral ties with the three Baltic nations. Naidu is the first high-level dignitary from India to visit the three countries. "Embarking on a 5-day tour to 3 Baltic nations, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to strengthen bilateral ties. Happy to be the first high-level dignitary from India to visit the 3 nations. Being bid farewell by representatives of embassies of 3 countries on my departure from Delhi today," Naidu said in a tweet before boarding the plane. "Looking forward to productive delegation-level talks and fruitful interactions with heads of states, other dignitaries, business forums and the Indian diaspora," said another tweet. Announcing the visit, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official A Gitesh Sarma had on Wednesday said that India and the Baltic countries have a historic connect and it is generally accepted that both have common linguistic roots notwithstanding the distance. On his visit to Lithuania from August 17 to August 19, the Vice President will meet the president of Lithuania. An India Lithuania business forum will be coordinated by CII from the Indian side. Thereafter, Naidu will visit Latvia from August 19 to 20 and will have bilateral meetings with the President, Prime Minister, acting speaker of the Saeima and other dignitaries. He will also unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the national library in the country. ASSOCHAM is coordinating India-Latvia Business forum from the Indian side. Here Vice President will lay reet at the freedom monument of Latvia and will unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in the national library of Latvia. While on his visit to Estonia, Vice President Naidu will address the heads of missions' conference. The India Estonia business forum would be led by CII from the Indian side. "This is a historic visit in the sense that it is long-awaited and Vice President's visit would be the first-ever high-level visit to the three Baltic countries. This takes place when we are looking forward to increasing our political engagement as well a trade and commerce engagement," the MEA official had said.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu departs on five-day visit to Baltic nations

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