The shadow of a resurgent Russia looms heavy over its former satellite nations.
It’s not something you hear very much about. Still, the reality of it is something that has very real, very serious implications for Eastern Europe.
Ever since the end of the Cold War, there have been those within the Kremlin who’ve sought to take back what they feel belongs to them. The thinking is that countries like Latvia, Georgia, and Armenia need to come back into the fold under one flag and one leader.
We’ve already seen Russian leadership exercise this idea via military actions in Georgia and, of course, Crimea. And, knowing that, it wouldn’t be outlandish to assume that Vladimir Putin has similar designs for other countries in the area.
And while feelings on independence versus Russian rule vary among the people of the region, going back isn’t something the Lithuanian government seems interested in doing, given recent developments.
Tensions Rise and Alliances Are Forged
Just last week, Kathryn Wheelbarger, acting assistant secretary of defense for International Security Affairs, met with Robertas Sampronas, who is policy director of the Lithuanian Defense Ministry.
During their meeting, the two signed a pact that outlined a roadmap for defense cooperation between the U.S. and Lithuania. It covers a wide range of objectives to be met between now and 2024. These include stronger cooperation in training and exercises, along with improved maritime defense, cyber defense, and intelligence sharing.
Lithuania is a longtime ally of the U.S., so this alone isn’t unusual. Still, it’s something worth knowing about because it echoes a similar strengthening of bonds between the U.S. and Poland.
Since last year, there have been steps taken in that country to increase U.S. military presence for the same reason: having the pieces in place to deal with Russia when the need arises.
The U.S. having stronger ties with these two countries is especially important.
Situated between the two is Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave that serves as the headquarters of the Russian Federation’s Baltic fleet. With these agreements in place, our allies in the region know that they can rely on American forces, and we have a way of keeping an eye on Russian activity in the area.
This could be seen as a win for the Trump administration. The president can use this to show that he is being tough on Russia in light of the recent outcome of the Mueller investigation.
Likewise, it falls in place with the administration’s desire to ramp up sales of American-made military hardware to foreign allies.
In all likelihood, this is just the beginning for these sorts of agreements.
Latvia and Estonia are two other countries in the area said to be working on similar agreements with the U.S. These two nations directly border Russia, so it’s all but guaranteed that some form of agreement will be reached there before long.
An attempted westward expansion for Russia is a very real possibility. It hasn’t developed new, cutting-edge weapons for nothing.
By drafting up agreements like this with our allies in the region, the U.S. will have a better chance at keeping that expansion from happening.
This newsletter has mentioned the slow creep towards war with Russia many times. We’ve brought up the political maneuvering related to the issue as well as the weapons and machines that could be used. It’s the latter that you should focus on.
We don’t know what’s going to happen when it comes to conflict with Russia. But you can be prepared anyway, thanks to Jason Simpkins’ publication, The Wealth Warrior.
Keep your eyes open,
Ryan Stancil
Outsider Club, Contributing Editor
