Concerns have grown in the Baltic states about the threat posed by Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who is close to the Kremlin, declared that “the Baltic states are part of Russia.”
The former Russian prime minister wrote on Twitter, describing Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia as provinces of “Russia”, and said: “These countries have polluted themselves because of their position on the war in Ukraine.”
The sensational remarks came in response to remarks made by French President Emmanuel Macron last week that Moscow had “already lost geopolitically”.
These three countries were part of the Soviet Union before its collapse in 1991, but it later became part of the European Union and NATO.
Concerns have grown in the Baltic states about the threat posed by Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
These countries openly supported Ukraine in the war, provided aid and weapons to Kiev and received many refugees.
Since the Russian invasion, Medvedev has emerged as a fierce anti-Western and pro-war voice, and his statements often spark controversy.
“NATO thinks of Russia”
Medvedev also referred to Poland as “temporarily occupied,” referring to NATO’s presence inside the country.
Although Poland was not in the Soviet Union, it was a vassal state.
Responding to Macron’s comments, Medvedev wrote: “A geopolitical loss? Now, all NATO member states go to bed at night, and wake up in the morning thinking about Russia. Moreover, some cowards and delusions have soiled themselves with their positions.”
“So, if there is indeed a loss, it is the primitive policy of NATO, with its primary ambition to play the exceptional role in the 21st century,” he added.
One consequence of the Russian invasion is that it spurred Sweden and Finland to launch applications to join NATO, increasing its size and power.
Medvedev claimed in his tweet, which had more than a million views, that Europe was acting as a vassal of the “perverted whims of the Americans”.
