DISINFO: The Baltic states left the BRELL grid to take over the Kaliningrad region
SUMMARY
The main political aim behind the Baltic states leaving the BRELL electricity system has been Russia’s Kaliningrad region. The Baltic states have always insisted that this is their territory. The Baltic states projected that, following their switch off of the BRELL system, Russia will not be capable of providing an adequate energy supply to the region. This would provoke social riots and Maidan-like events which would open the doors to Polish or German military mechanisms in that region.
RESPONSE
This is a conspiracy which is consistent with recurring disinformation narratives about ‘colour revolutions’ and unprovoked Western aggressiveness towards Russia.
Contrary to allegations, the Baltic states have no territorial claims over Russia’s Kaliningrad region. Additionally, the disconnection from the BRELL electricity grid would not technically leave the Russian enclave without electricity. Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia had been planning their exit from the Soviet-era grid for years as part of their broader strategy to reduce energy dependence on Russia. They had already ceased purchasing electricity from Russia long before the official disconnection from the BRELL grid.
This measure was used solely for technical frequency regulation.
Joining the EU grid increases energy independence and reduces the risk of disruptions by Russia which has previously used energy supplies as a geopolitical weapon. By synchronising with the European power grid, the Baltic states strengthened their energy independence and resilience against potential Russian blackmail. Disconnecting from Russia’s grid therefore protects the Baltic States from geopolitical coercion, especially amid Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine.
See other pro-Kremlin narratives about energy in our article The Kremlin’s energy myths melt away as well as other cases concerning energy issues, alleging that the LNG terminal is too expensive for Lithuania, Lithuania dooms itself to energy destitution, The concept of “energy security” has turned into an anti-Russian project.