Sat, 08 Feb 2025

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 Baltic states begin historic switch away from Russian power grid

More than 30 years after leaving the Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania will join the EU's grid.
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are disconnecting from Russia's electricity grid after more than three decades of dependence. The process began on Saturday morning with residents advised to charge devices, stock up on supplies, and prepare for potential disruptions. The three countries will then transition into the EU's energy network through Poland on Sunday, marking a significant step towards reducing their reliance on Moscow. Lithuania's Energy Minister Zygimantas Vaiciunas said the move would "remove Russia's ability to use the electricity system as a tool of geopolitical blackmail." Nato members Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have not purchased electricity from Russia since 2022 but remained connected to the Brell power grid. The disconnection is part of efforts to reduce energy dependence on Moscow. Tensions with Russia have been high since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with concerns about potential sabotage or retaliation against the shift towards EU energy. The Baltic states are taking precautions against potential cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns related to the transition. Nato has launched a new patrol mission in the region and emergency operation tests have been carried out to prepare for potential attacks on the energy system. Estonia's Cybersecurity Centre head Gert Auvaart warned that Russia "may attempt to exploit this period to create uncertainty" but said the country is well-prepared for worst-case scenarios.
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