The so-called Suwalki corridor is hypothetically the most dangerous territory that may become Russia’s first target if the country decides to go to war against NATO, Postimees reports with reference to Politico.
The Suwalki corridor is about 100 km long strip that runs along Lithuanian-Polish border and leads to the border with Kaliningrad in west and Belarus in the east. This territory is considered NATO’s Achilles’ heel – if Russia captures it, NATO allies will have their route to Baltic States cut off.
The name was coined by then the President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves in 2015.
Western military experts warn that this area will likely become one of the main targets for Russian President Vladimir Putin if he decides to expand the war in Ukraine towards a direct clash with NATO, as mentioned in the report from Politico.
It is assumed Moscow may attempt to create a land corridor all the way to Kaliningrad, which may become a reason for a full-scale war.
On Monday, 20 June, the Kremlin announced it will «compose a response» to Lithuania’s ban on exports of goods to Kaliningrad.
«This is an unprecedented case, and a violation of everything,» said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. «We understand this is related to European Union’s decision to expand sanctions. We also consider this [EU’s decision] as unlawful.»
Just recently Kremlin has also doubted the independence of Baltic States and Ukraine, threatening to recall recognition of their independence.