Russia’s alliance with other authoritarian regimes has grown to the extent that it is now attempting to challenge the current world order. This is seen most clearly in the battlefields of Ukraine, where technological cooperation has produced new weapons like the Oreshnik missile.

Much has been made in recent weeks of Ukraine’s reliance on US aid. In spite of this, the country maintains an enduring resolve to protect its independence at any cost. No matter what happens, Kyiv will continue its struggle regardless of actions in Washington.

Baltic countries like Lithuania want to spend more money on defence to help counter the Russian threat, but the European Union’s strict spending laws are standing in the way.

Interview with Gerlinde Niehus, an independent NATO and international security expert and author. Interviewer: Aureliusz M. Pędziwol.

The creation of a European Security Council could be the right answer to growing uncertainty on the continent and beyond. Such a new format would be a signal to both allies and adversaries that Europe takes its own security seriously.

The topic of western aid for Ukraine remains a key issue in politics today. In spite of this, the war-torn country is now starting to build up its own defence industry. With the help of allies, this effort could help secure essential supplies for Kyiv.

The start of July saw Britain elect a Labour government for the first time in well over a decade. While promising change to voters at home, a level of continuity still appears to dominate London’s foreign policy. This is particularly true regarding the region, with a desire to overcome the tensions of Brexit adding nuance to well-established support for Ukraine.

General Martin Herem, commander of the Estonian Armed Forces, explains how Estonia is preparing for possible aggression from Russia and why its approach may differ from the other Baltic countries. Interviewer: Rasa Tapinienė, journalist with LRT.

Based on previous experience, strategic communications – including defence diplomacy – are usually built on the principle of the “Five Ms”: messages, messengers, media, mediums and mechanisms. The messages should be tailored carefully to the audience, addressing political narratives, shared historical experiences, socio-psychological aspects, instrumental issues and cultural affairs. Ukraine should come out strong in the messaging and other pillars of this strategy when trying to cooperate with the “Global South” and procure military support.

Celebrating 70 years since its inception, many critics have claimed NATO is a relic of the past. Will NATO manage to adapt to the changing environment among its members and outside of it?

Ukraine is continuing the process of establishing democratic civilian control over the security and defence sector.

An interview with Raimonds Bergmanis, the Latvian minister of defence. Interviewer Linas Jegelevicius

LINAS JEGELEVICIUS: In a recent interview, your Lithuanian counterpart claimed that the situation in which the Baltics face now is “the riskiest and most dangerous since 1990”. Do you agree with this assessment?

RAIMONDS BERGMANIS: It is relative and the context should be taken into account. In the 1990s, our countries were still in the process of recovery and building our new state institutions like the armed forces, intelligence, security forces, etc. Alongside the domestic challenges, we were experiencing Russian pressure as well. We were vulnerable back then and, by no means, were these risk-free times. We were lucky that Russia was also vulnerable. However, it was not until 2004 when we joined NATO that we were able to have a real sense of security.