GZERO World with Ian Bremmer cover image

GZERO World with Ian Bremmer

A Baltic warning: What Ukraine war means for Europe—and the Russian perspective

Mar 1, 2025
Baiba Braže, the Latvian Foreign Minister, discusses the pressing security threats to the Baltics from Russia, including cyberattacks and hybrid warfare. She emphasizes the need for heightened defense spending amid rising instability. Dmitri Trenin, a former Russian colonel, offers a contrasting perspective, asserting that decisions about Ukraine should rest with Russia and the U.S., rather than Ukraine itself. Both guests highlight the evolving geopolitical landscape and the urgent need for diverse viewpoints in addressing security challenges in Europe.
54:29

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Latvia is significantly increasing its defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2026 in response to escalating Russian threats and hybrid warfare.
  • The former Russian colonel emphasizes that decisions regarding Ukraine's fate should be influenced primarily by Russia and the U.S., not by Ukraine itself.

Deep dives

Latvia's Defense Strategy Amid Russian Aggression

Latvia is significantly increasing its defense spending in response to escalating threats from Russia, pivoting from under 1% of GDP in 2014 to a projected 5% by 2026. The foreign minister emphasizes the necessity of investing in national security as Latvia faces heightened cyber attacks and other forms of aggression. Despite NATO being pivotal for their security, there is a growing recognition that Europe must bolster its defense capabilities independently. The minister also highlights Latvia's historical experience of foreign occupation, driving home the urgency of preparedness in the context of regional stability.

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