Decoding Geopolitics Podcast with Dominik Presl #95 Linas Kojala: This Is How The Baltics Are Preparing For War with Russia
Nov 29, 2025
Linas Kojala, director at the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center in Lithuania, shares insights on how the Baltics cope with the looming threat of Russia. He discusses the daily anxiety experienced in Lithuania since the 2022 invasion, emphasizing historic Russian aggression through tactics like cyberattacks and propaganda. Kojala highlights the region's rising defense spending, NATO's evolving role, and Germany's newfound commitment. He warns that while Ukraine's strength is crucial for regional stability, the future remains uncertain, with continued conflict or a problematic ceasefire likely.
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Personal Fear On The Street
- A woman on the street asked Linas Kojala if his newborn daughter was still in Lithuania because she feared escalation from Russia.
- The question showed how personal and immediate the security anxiety feels for ordinary Lithuanians.
Deterrence Gaps Raise Major Risks
- Deterrence below NATO's Article 5 is tolerated but ineffective and risky.
- Kojala warns that failing deterrence now risks far greater future costs than current investments.
Preparedness Through Energy And Spending
- Lithuania built resilience before 2022 by diversifying energy with the LNG terminal named Independence.
- Rapid increases in defense spending since 2022 close gaps but cannot instantly fix long-term capability shortfalls.