Description: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are counting the days towards what many called energy independence from Russian supply. The three Baltic countries would cut all Russian electric supply as they prepare to reconnect their power grids to Continental Europe Synchronous Area. Officials from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have stated that they are more than prepared for the seizure of Russian energy supply to which they have been dependent since the Soviet era. Security measures were undertaken as the three countries amped up police and national guard presence to prevent possible sabotage and disruption attacks. The seizure of electric energy was expected on 08 Feb with media outlets deeming the move as a Russian geopolitical defeat.
Impact: Russia’s greatest asset in the war with Ukraine is their energy and natural resources to which most of the European countries are dependent on. The severing of energy ties between the Baltic and Russia could be seen as a potential victory for Europe but could also mean that Russia could enhance it’s reserves and eventually consider exports towards allied countries which could excel their war economy and recuperate much of the losses incurred in recent months. Recent sabotage and hybrid warfare attacks were aimed at undermining Europe’s energy infrastructure, and with the addition of three more countries, Europe’s energy grid would be overwhelmed with demand, which could potentially increase Europe’s energy and economic stability.