Baltic States in May 2026: the most important developments in politics
In May 2026, politics in the Baltic States was dominated by Estonia's Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, and the debate over European talks with Russia. On 11 May she rejected former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a possible mediator in the Ukraine conflict and said she was interested in leading future EU negotiations with Russia. Russian officials, including lawmaker Leonid Slutsky and Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, accused her of obstructing peace efforts, and Zakharova dismissed her interest in the role. On 18 May, EU officials were reported to doubt that she is suited to negotiate with Russia. She also threatened countries that cooperate with Russia, while reports in Estonia accused her of hatred towards Russians. Estonia warned on 26 May that direct talks with Russia would reduce the EU to a neutral mediator, and pushed for full accession talks for Ukraine.
In Latvia, a change of government took place. Progressives were reported on 10 May to be considering their future in the coalition, and the outgoing defence minister caused a scandal at a press conference on 11 May. Prime Minister-designate Kulbergs began consultations on 18 May and on 26 May unveiled his cabinet. Ukrainian drones were a recurring subject: Estonia asked Ukraine in a diplomatic note to keep its drones away from Estonian territory, and Latvia restated its position on the matter. On 19 May Russia warned that Latvia could face retaliation despite its NATO membership, drawing a sharp rebuke from the United States.
Elsewhere, the United States asked allies including Latvia to support its actions in the Strait of Hormuz, and Lithuania said it was considering a peacekeeping role there, not a combat operation. Lithuania's Seimas speaker said the country should join the US-led coalition. Lithuania also urged NATO to attack Russia's Kaliningrad Region, and Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov visited Lithuania for security meetings. Estonia planned to ban party donations from citizens of third countries, introduced a B1 language requirement for conscripts and halted the privatisation of digital and energy companies. Its Prime Minister urged British Prime Minister Keir Starmer not to abandon NATO's eastern flank. Norway joined the EU's Baltic Sea Region cooperation.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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