# Russian hybrid threats to Baltic security > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russian-hybrid-threats-to-baltic-security > Updated: 2026-09-10T15:42:29.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 7. Baltic states continue to assess various hybrid and military threats attributed to Russia. In Lithuania, officials have highlighted vulnerabilities in public resilience, noting low rankings in media literacy. In Latvia, President Edgars Rinkēvičs stated that the risk of a direct Russian invasion remains low, though the country faces threats from cyberattacks, sabotage, and hybrid operations. Recent security discussions in Riga, Latvia, have emphasized the necessity of robust defense measures. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kupčins has called for billions in additional European Union funding to bolster national defenses as the region prepares for potential worst-case scenarios. The security landscape remains complicated by drone incursions, sabotage, and the instrumentalization of migration. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Office of the President, raised concerns regarding Europe’s response to threats such as cable cuts, arson, and explosive-laden drones. Experts suggest Russia may favor operating in the ‘gray zone’ to increase political and economic costs for nations supporting Ukraine while avoiding direct military confrontation with NATO. One high-risk scenario identified involves the potential creation of a separatist entity, such as a ‘People’s Republic of Latgale’ in eastern Latvia, mirroring the 2014 Donbass model. In response, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have been implementing the Baltic Defense Line, a system of fortifications and defensive structures along their eastern borders since 2024. ## Claims - Russia may use hybrid warfare rather than conventional invasion to challenge NATO in the Baltics. (corroborated by 3 sources) - A dangerous scenario involves the proclamation of a 'People's Republic of Latgale' in eastern Latvia, similar to the Donbass model. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania began constructing the Baltic Defense Line in 2024. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Russian hybrid operations aim to increase the cost of supporting Ukraine and test NATO responses. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Russia may use hybrid warfare to challenge NATO in Baltics Professor Stefan Hedlund warns that Russia may use hybrid warfare and separatist movements in Latvia to challenge NATO in the Baltics without triggering a full-scale conventional invasion. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-may-use-hybrid-warfare-to-challenge-nato-in-baltics ### 2026-09-10: Latvia hosts security summit amid rising Russian hybrid threats Security discussions in Riga highlight Latvia's urgent need for EU defense funding and the growing threat of Russian hybrid warfare and political influence across Europe. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/latvia-hosts-security-summit-amid-rising-russian-hybrid-threats ### 2026-09-09: Sikorski calls for stronger measures against Russian hybrid threats in Latvia Polish Foreign Minister Radoslav Sikorski and Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže called for strengthened security cooperation to counter Russian sabotage, hybrid threats, and imperialist ambitions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sikorski-calls-for-stronger-measures-against-russian-hybrid-threats-in-latvia ### 2026-09-02: Latvian military commander warns of Russian hybrid threats Latvian National Armed Forces Commander Kaspars Pudāns warns that Russia is using sabotage and hybrid tactics to undermine Western support for Ukraine as Latvia begins its 'Namejs' defense exercises. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/latvian-military-commander-warns-of-russian-hybrid-threats ### 2026-08-29: Latvia warns of Russian unpredictability amid regional security concerns Latvian official Andris Kulbergs warns of Russia's unpredictability, noting that while no immediate evidence of a Baltic invasion exists, the region must prepare for hybrid and cyber threats. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/latvia-warns-of-russian-unpredictability-amid-regional-security-concerns ### 2026-08-27: Latvia assesses military threat levels amid hybrid risks Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs reports no change in military threat levels, though hybrid threats persist. Meanwhile, US officials have warned Russia against escalating actions toward the Baltic states. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/latvia-assesses-military-threat-levels-amid-hybrid-risks ### 2026-08-06: Lithuanian officials assess Russian hybrid threat and public resilience Lithuanian officials say Russian propaganda and hybrid threats persist, citing low media‑literacy rankings and gaps in public verification skills, while assuring the state is quietly preparing to protect key in 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lithuanian-officials-assess-russian-hybrid-threat-and-public-resilience --- Cite as: Russian hybrid threats to Baltic security. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russian-hybrid-threats-to-baltic-security