Baltic states turn to Ukraine for shelter construction expertise amid drone threat - Politico
Kyiv • UNN
The Baltic states have approached Ukraine for its experience in creating shelters due to the threat of Russian drones. Metinvest is already in negotiations regarding the construction of these structures.
Amid the growing threat of drones and potential attacks from Russia, the Baltic states have begun turning to Ukraine for expertise in bomb shelter construction and civil defense. This was reported by Politico, according to UNN.
The Baltics study Ukrainian war experience
According to Ihor Fedirko, CEO of the Ukrainian Defense Industry Council, Baltic companies have contacted Ukrainian manufacturers and civil defense experts in recent weeks regarding the procurement of shelters.
"Yes, it's true. These are not very large countries. They are trying to find the best solutions against Russian aggression, should it occur. To keep their people safe,"
The surge in interest was prompted by recent drone incidents in Baltic airspace.
Last week in Lithuania, the president and prime minister were evacuated to a shelter after a drone violated the country's airspace near the border with Belarus.
The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense reported that the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission was involved in the response.
"The first hours of aggression will be very dangerous"
Politico notes that the Baltic states fear large-scale drone and missile attacks similar to those Russia regularly carries out against Ukraine.
"We know they have evacuation mechanisms; they are well-prepared. But they also understand that the first hours of aggression will be very dangerous,"
Yuriy Ryzhenkov, CEO of the Ukrainian Metinvest Group, confirmed that the company is already holding preliminary talks with Baltic governments regarding the construction of shelters.
Following the start of the full-scale war, Metinvest began producing both civilian and military shelters to protect against missile and drone attacks.
"Anyone can build a bomb shelter, but it is the tactical experience that holds value,"
The Baltics speak of a "new reality"
Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas stated that the Baltic countries are forced to adapt to new threats.
"This is a new reality that the Baltic states are facing. Therefore, we must adapt,"
Politico also pointed out that since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the popularity of basements and fortified spaces on the real estate market in Vilnius has increased, with such spaces being advertised as potential shelters during attacks.
"It's a nightmare, and I understand them. They want to protect their people in the first hours of a potential Russian invasion,"