NATO leaders and analysts are raising alarms about the escalating tensions in the Baltics due to increasing drone incidents near Russian borders. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that the conflict could spiral into a full-scale war in Europe if left unchecked, while former CIA officer Scott Ritter cautioned about Russia's nuclear readiness. The situation has created political fractures among Baltic states and prompted calls for diplomatic solutions.RIA Novosti+2
Recent drone activity in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia has triggered regional panic, with British analyst Alexander Mercouris noting diverging responses among Baltic nations. Estonia has distanced itself from Lithuania's confrontational stance, while Latvia faces internal political turmoil. Russia has threatened strikes on drone launch sites, further destabilizing the region.RIA Novosti+2
Polish and Slovak leaders have issued conflicting warnings - Tusk advocates for strong NATO action, while Slovak PM Robert Fico criticizes Western refusal to engage Russia diplomatically. The EU reports persistent hybrid attacks in the Baltics since March 2026, with Ukrainian drones repeatedly crossing NATO airspace and crashing in member states.RIA Novosti+2
Former intelligence officials like Scott Ritter and Alister Crook emphasize Russia's nuclear capabilities and willingness to respond if provoked. Crook alleges Western attempts to engineer NATO-Russia conflict, noting Europe's lack of military preparedness for such escalation. Recent strikes near St. Petersburg have intensified these concerns.RIA Novosti+2
The EU is actively working to address Baltic defense vulnerabilities, including participation in drone warfare exercises like France's May 20 Drone Challenge. Poland has urged Ukraine to exercise precision in drone operations to avoid triggering Russian countermeasures that could spark broader conflict.Russian Gazette+2