In an unprecedented and stark warning, a powerful coalition of chief executives from the Baltic states has declared that their nations are directly in Vladimir Putin's crosshairs, should Ukraine fall to Russian forces.
The CEOs, representing a significant portion of the private sector in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, have penned a forceful open letter directed at German political and business leaders. Their message is clear: the time for hesitation is over. They are urging Berlin to throw its full weight behind Ukraine with immediate and substantial military aid, framing it not just as support for a sovereign nation, but as a critical investment in the defence of all of Europe.
A Dire Prediction from the Front Line
The letter leaves no room for ambiguity. It states that the Baltics are viewed as the next target for the Kremlin's expansionist ambitions, making the war in Ukraine a pivotal battle for their own survival. "If we do not help Ukraine now, then it will be us next," the executives wrote, capturing the palpable sense of urgency felt in a region that still lives with the memory of Soviet occupation.
Calling for a German Pivot
The appeal specifically calls on Germany to take a more assertive leadership role. Historically, Germany's approach to Russia has been heavily influenced by trade and energy dependencies, a policy now widely regarded as a strategic failure. The Baltic CEOs are pushing for a complete paradigm shift, advocating for Germany to become the foremost European provider of military hardware to Kyiv, including crucial long-range artillery and air defence systems.
This move is seen as essential to counter Russia's overwhelming artillery advantage and to protect Ukrainian cities and infrastructure from devastating aerial attacks.
Beyond Rhetoric: A Business-Led Security Push
The initiative is remarkable because it originates from the boardroom, not the government palace. It signals that the threat is perceived not just as a political or military problem, but as an existential risk to economic stability and business continuity. The CEOs argue that the cost of inaction—a full-scale war on NATO's border—would be astronomically higher than the cost of arming Ukraine today.
Their plea adds immense weight to similar calls from Baltic politicians and aligns with the significantly higher levels of defence spending already committed to by Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, who all meet or exceed NATO's 2% of GDP target.
The letter concludes with a powerful closing argument: securing a victory for Ukraine is the single most effective way to secure a lasting peace for Europe. It is a direct challenge to Western complacency and a sobering reminder that for some NATO members, the threat is not theoretical—it is at their doorstep.
