3 Baltic states disconnect from the Soviet-era grid to merge with the European energy system

Summary

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania officially disconnected from Russia’s Soviet-era power grid on Saturday, marking a major geopolitical shift.

The Baltic nations will operate independently for 24 hours before integrating with Europe’s energy system via links with Finland, Sweden, and Poland.

The move severs their last energy ties with Russia and Belarus, reducing reliance on Russian resources amid ongoing tensions.

For the three countries, as well as the rest of Europe, the move was steeped in geopolitical and symbolic significance.