MISGUIDED EXPOSURE ⟩ Security Analysts Question Financial Times’ Decision to Publish Outdated Russian Map

13th August 2024, 21:47

The Financial Times has published a map indicating potential targets across Europe that Russian forces might strike with nuclear missiles, with Pärnu in Estonia marked as one such location. Security experts, however, believe the map is outdated and argue that its publication only serves Russian interests.

The Financial Times claimed on August 13 to have obtained secret Russian documents detailing potential nuclear targets across Europe. These targets, identified for each of Russia’s naval fleets, are primarily located in Norway and Germany, including a naval base in Bergen, radar installations, and special forces facilities. In Estonia, the small coastal city of Pärnu in the southwest has been singled out.

Security experts maintain that the map is old, and its release plays into Russia’s hands. The Estonian Defense Forces Headquarters said they do not see the need to comment on the map, noting that Russian targeting priorities have long been established and it could be seen as a tactic to intimidate Ukraine. Russia’s goal is to keep the West constantly talking about its nuclear capabilities.

The Financial Times article on Russian Navy nuclear target maps has sparked questions among Estonia's security elite. Photo: Kuvatõmmis

Rainer Saks, former Director of Estonia's Foreign Intelligence, posited that the map likely represents the intended targets for Russian naval tactical nuclear weapons, yet he underscored that such conclusions are highly speculative, especially considering the map's age. "The decision by the Financial Times to publish this is far from prudent—it unmistakably plays into Russia's nuclear fear-mongering. This map was likely introduced into circulation by someone with ulterior motives, and if the editors are unaware of this, it reflects poorly on their editorial judgment."

The former intelligence chief clarified that maps of this nature are frequently produced and that the one published by the Financial Times reflects Russia's hypothetical projections rather than their actual capabilities. "This is precisely why analyzing it is futile.

Former Estonian Intelligence Chief Rainer Saks has criticized the Financial Times for its decision to publish an outdated Russian naval map. Photo: Tairo Lutter

The map outlines what the Russian navy might theoretically attempt in a given scenario, not what they are realistically capable of achieving. Moreover, the geopolitical landscape between 2008 and 2014, when this map was likely relevant, was markedly different. The current situation has evolved significantly, making it questionable whether the Russian navy could even operate in the North Sea as the map implies."

When questioned about why Pärnu, a small coastal city in southwestern Estonia, was marked as a target instead of Tallinn, Mr. Saks suggested that the choice was likely arbitrary. "The map may have been created for a specific exercise, with different individuals assigned to various areas of responsibility, leading to variations in target selection. Thus, Pärnu might appear on this map for a particular reason, but that doesn't imply it's a definitive or enduring target. There could well be additional targets not depicted here."

Saks emphasized that if Russia were to target locations in Estonia with nuclear weapons, it would put Russia’s own territories in grave danger—something they would likely avoid.

Another senior figure in Estonia's security policy establishment, Kusti Salm, Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense, tweeted today on X, that "the story in today's Financial Times is fascinating, but what's even more intriguing is why it was published today, rather than the story's details themselves." Salm was unavailable for further comment on the meaning behind his cryptic tweet.

MISGUIDED EXPOSURE ⟩ Security Analysts Question Financial Times’ Decision to Publish Outdated Russian Map

Terms