Politico reported on the NATO countries' build-up of defense against Russia

Poland, Finland and the Baltic states continue to urgently strengthen their armed forces and erect defensive structures along the borders, preparing for a possible conflict with Russia. This was reported by the Politico newspaper.

"Finland spends almost 3% of its GDP on defense and, in line with its commitments to NATO, intends to increase this figure to 5% by 2035. Its air force expects to receive American F-35 fighter jets in the coming months," the article says.

Despite this, the Finnish armed forces are still lagging behind in mastering the use of unmanned technologies.

Poland relies on concrete barriers, sensors, drones and the rapid expansion of the army, as well as investing billions in defensive structures along the borders with Belarus and the Kaliningrad region.

At the same time, there is a discrepancy between the plans and the actual situation in some parts of the border: fortifications appear, then disappear, materials remain in warehouses, and local residents record a decline in construction activity.

The Baltic countries — Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia — are strengthening their defenses within the framework of the joint Baltic defensive line, creating anti-tank ditches, bunkers and minefields. These measures include the expansion of armies, the construction of concrete barriers, the installation of sensors, the use of drones and the creation of defensive lines.

"Russia is a superpower, and we are a small country. You have to be careful when sleeping next to a bear," said Finnish Colonel Matti Pitkianitti.

Refund the drone: Germany is changing the program of military support for Ukraine

The emphasis is on providing the Armed Forces of Ukraine with long-range UAVs

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said on July 4 that Latvia's plans to build an unmanned aerial vehicle factory on the border with Russia together with Ukraine are provocative. According to him, the Baltic countries are pursuing selfish goals related to participation in the distribution of EU military budgets and the desire to strengthen their geopolitical role in the NATO structure.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on June 4 that Russia has no reason for confrontation with NATO. According to him, Moscow is not interested in escalating relations with the alliance and sees no reason for such a scenario, which is regularly discussed in Western countries.