Analyst: Russia launched new Baltic operation on Sept. 22 — and one country is key target

Volodymyr Horbach, executive director of the Institute for the Transformation of Northern Eurasia, spoke about this on Espreso TV.

“What is happening in the Baltic, plus information about unknown drones in Norway, shows that the North Sea and the Baltic are now the theater where, in my view, a Russian strategic operation began on September 22. It is still in the format of hybrid warfare, aimed at creating tension, uncertainty, and demoralization, along with information-psychological operations directed against NATO and EU states in the northern region,” Horbach said.

He stressed that one of Russia’s goals is to divert attention away from Ukraine.

“They want their societies to fear an attack on their own territory and therefore oppose the transfer of weapons to Ukraine and the strengthening of our defense capabilities. This isn’t working yet, so I think they will continue escalating, looking for new sabotage methods, explosions, anything to sow panic — which remains their key goal,” he explained.

Horbach also outlined what Ukraine can expect from its Western partners: funding for U.S.-made weapons, European government contributions, and new training opportunities.

“Our Northern European partners want to learn from us how to fight drones and adopt experience in modern drone warfare,” he said.

The analyst emphasized Denmark’s strategic position: “It controls the exit from the Baltic Sea through two straits. That makes it a key target for these Russian operations. That’s why drones keep flying there — none have been shot down or recovered so far, leaving no physical evidence. There’s little doubt Russia is behind it, but officials avoid categorical statements, calling it hybrid warfare against Denmark.”

According to Horbach, Denmark’s allies are reinforcing the country: “Britain, Sweden, Norway, Germany, even Finland are sending groups to help their NATO ally counter the drone threat. But in fact, they are going there to learn, to gain experience for themselves for the day these drone attacks are directed at their own countries.”

• In recent weeks, Denmark has repeatedly closed Aalborg airport due to suspicious aerial objects. 
• On the night of September 27, drones were spotted near several military facilities.