We cannot fall into the trap: FT explains why the Baltic countries are concerned about the ceasefire in Ukraine.

Baltic defense ministers warn of security threats if there is a ceasefire in Ukraine

Baltic defense ministers have reported on the security threat to their countries if a ceasefire occurs in Ukraine. According to information provided by the Financial Times, Russia will continue to implement plans for rearmament and the redeployment of troops to NATO's northeastern flank.

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania expressed concern that Moscow will continue its activities in Ukraine after the mediation of the Trump administration in reaching a ceasefire. The Baltic states noted that Russia has plans to increase military production and station additional troops near their borders.

'We all understand that when the war in Ukraine is over, Russia will quickly redistribute its forces. This also means that the level of threat will rise significantly very quickly,' said Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anušauskas also warns that Russia will accelerate its military potential after a ceasefire. She noted that Russia has a large army and will be increasing its forces.

'Let's not indulge in illusions. Let's not deceive ourselves into thinking that Russia is done after Ukraine. Russia will use this Time after the ceasefire to accelerate its military potential. They already have a huge battle-trained army that is going to become even larger,' said Anušauskas.

Estonian Defense Minister Pevkur emphasized that out of the 600,000 Russian military personnel stationed in Ukraine, 300,000 will likely be redeployed. He also stressed that these individuals will not remain unemployed upon their return to Russia, as their salaries in the army are much higher than in their hometowns.

The Baltic states are particularly concerned about large-scale military exercises 'West', which will take place near their borders in Russia and Belarus. These exercises will involve tens of thousands of troops, tanks, aircraft, and artillery and will simulate a conflict with NATO countries.

Baltic defense ministers also warn about the redeployment of any NATO forces from their countries to form European 'peacekeeping' forces in Ukraine. They believe this could jeopardize the security of NATO's eastern flank and create risks at the border.

The countries of NATO's eastern flank have stated that they cannot deploy their troops in Ukraine due to their own security. Estonia has rejected British plans to redeploy British forces to Ukraine to defend the Baltics.

Currently, Lithuania is protected by a German brigade, Latvia by multinational forces under Canadian leadership, and Estonia by a British brigade.

'This steadfast iron commitment to Estonia will continue - and it will continue, because Estonia and our troops are on the front lines of NATO,' said British Defense Minister Jon Healey.