Spokeswoman of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova made the accusations stating that the “openly hostile line” taken by Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn has led to the cessation of various administrative, regional, and sectoral connections with Russia.

Zakharova asserted that Moscow would continue to exert diplomatic pressure on the Baltic states and warned of retaliatory measures in economic affairs and transit.

She highlighted the redirection of Russian goods transit to northwestern Russian ports as having a detrimental impact on the Baltic economies.

Despite the escalating rhetoric, Zakharova emphasized that Russia does not seek a complete breakdown in diplomatic relations with other countries, as it values the possibility of dialogue.

She further expressed “concern” about the potential implications for Russian-speaking populations in the Baltic countries if diplomatic ties were severed.

Estonia adamant Russia is to blame

According to Estonia, incidents, including allegations of GPS interference affecting air traffic and accusations of espionage, have further strained relations between the Baltic states and Russia.

Statement of @JosepBorrellF on behalf of the EU strongly condemning the malicious cyber campaign by the Russia-controlled APT28 against DE🇩🇪 & CZ🇨🇿.

This shows Russia’s continuous pattern of irresponsible behaviour in cyberspace

The EU will not tolerate it

Read more 👇

— EU Council Press (@EUCouncilPress) May 3, 2024

Margus Tsahkna, Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs, also attributed the deteriorating relations to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing Estonia’s commitment to diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and support Ukraine’s sovereignty. “We have reduced mutual relations to the bare minimum level as Russia sullied its relationship with the West by launching a war of aggression against Ukraine, in violation of international law and the sovereignty of states,” Tsahkna recently stated.