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Conflict & Justice

Estonia is on the brink, as Russia ramps up hybrid warfare in Europe

Estonia has found itself at the forefront of Europe’s bid to fend off suspected — and anticipated — Russian hybrid attacks. Longtime Estonia observer and Deutsche Welle reporter Ben Bathke reports.

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Estonian naval ships sail in the Baltic Sea on Jan. 9, 2025, as part of stepped-up NATO patrols in the region following suspected sabotage of undersea cables.

Hendrik Osula/AP/File

Longtime Estonia observer and Deutsche Welle reporter Ben Bathke first fell in love with the Baltic country for its peaceful, prosperous and tech-savvy small-country vibe.

People walk in a park among trees on an autumn day in Tallinn, Estonia, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024.Sergei Grits/AP/File

Now, as Estonia finds itself at the forefront of Europe’s bid to fend off anticipated Russian hybrid attacks, Bathke is drawn back again.

His current areas of interest are hybrid warfare, shadow fleets and the protection of critical deep-sea infrastructure.

Listen to Ben Bathke’s report by clicking on the player above.

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