Drones test Baltic nerves as spillover fears rise

Baltic nations Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are tightening defenses and boosting readiness after suspected Ukrainian drones entered their airspace, amid Russia‑Ukraine war tensions and Moscow’s denials of direct attack plans. The incidents have sharpened fears of hybrid warfare and potential spillover, prompting NATO to accelerate deterrence measures and ongoing U.S. discussions about its role. Analysts warn of risks around chokepoints like the Suwalki Gap, but officials say there is no imminent invasion while public anxiety and defense spending continue to rise across the region.