Baltic States Prepare Evacuation Plan in Case of Threat From Russia

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are developing joint evacuation plans in case of a large-scale build-up of Russian troops or direct aggression, Reuters reports.

The three Baltic states have repeatedly warned NATO allies of the increased danger from Moscow.

These include cyberattacks, information operations, and the intrusion of Russian aircraft and drones into the region’s airspace.

Despite Russia’s claims that it has no intention of attacking NATO, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have doubled their defense budgets since the outbreak of full-scale war in Ukraine.

At the same time, the states have stepped up civilian preparations for possible crises.

Since May, the three countries have been coordinating their civil defense efforts.

In Lithuania, they have already identified collection points, transportation, and stocks of necessary goods.

The city of Kaunas plans to accommodate about 300,000 people in schools, universities, religious institutions, and sports arenas.

Similar measures are being taken in Vilnius and the regions, where traffic routes have been prepared in advance to avoid traffic jams.

Lithuania’s Minister of National Security Kęstutis Budris said that such preparations are a “signal of readiness” to the society.

“We have done our homework and have a plan of action in case of any crisis,” he emphasized.

Estonia plans to temporarily relocate up to 10% of the population (approximately 140 thousand people) to safe regions or relatives.

In particular, residents of border areas such as Narva, where the authorities are ready to help half of the 50 thousand residents, are subject to evacuation.

In Latvia, according to Ivars Nakurts, deputy head of the State Fire and Rescue Service, the possibility of evacuation may apply to up to a third of the population, about 600,000 people.

As a reminder, the Lithuanian Seimas recently approved amendments that give the military more powers to fight enemy drones.