Milov: Putin Weighs Attack Scenario for Baltics, But Panic Unnecessary
Russian opposition politician Vladimir Milov says Putin is considering an attack on the Baltic states, but urges calm and highlights Russia's manpower shortage.
Vladimir Milov, a Russian opposition politician, economist and former deputy energy minister, stated in an interview with TV24 that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is definitely examining a scenario for an attack on the Baltic states. However, Milov emphasizes that there is no reason to panic, but rather to focus on Putin's weaknesses.
One of the main problems is a manpower deficit. Milov notes that conscription in Russia has sharply declined. Although the population exceeds 140 million, a large portion are elderly or women. Men aged 20 to 30 number fewer than 8 million, and they are needed in the economy, including the military industry.
If Putin decided on a large-scale military operation, for instance in the Baltic states, he would have to withdraw troops from Ukraine, as there are no other sources of soldiers. This would open an opportunity for Ukraine to counterattack and reclaim some territory. Milov believes Putin will likely resort to hybrid warfare tactics – terrorist attacks, sabotage, infiltration of terrorist groups, disruption of communications, and bombing of strategic targets.
The expert calls for a cool assessment of Putin's vulnerabilities, noting that Ukraine has successfully done so and thus resists the aggression of a superior army.
