On November 22, 2023, former Latvian defense minister Andris Berzins advocated for the construction of a fortified defensive line spanning NATO's eastern border from Finland through the Baltic states to Poland. He called this defensive concept the 'NATO Mannerheim Line', referencing Finland's WWII-era fortifications against the Soviet Union. Berzins stressed the need for a credible deterrent line capable of withstanding potential Russian incursions or hybrid warfare tactics, bolstering NATO's eastern flank defense in the face of heightened security concerns following Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Reflecting on lessons from history, he suggested that such a line would provide psychological and material defense, enhancing security for vulnerable border regions. The proposal coincides with ongoing discussions in the region about strengthening military infrastructure and interoperability among NATO members situated on the alliance's eastern frontier.

On November 22, 2023, former Latvian defense minister Andris Berzins advocated for the construction of a fortified defensive line spanning NATO's eastern border from Finland through the Baltic states to Poland. He called this defensive concept the 'NATO Mannerheim Line', referencing Finland's WWII-era fortifications against the Soviet Union. Berzins stressed the need for a credible deterrent line capable of withstanding potential Russian incursions or hybrid warfare tactics, bolstering NATO's eastern flank defense in the face of heightened security concerns following Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Reflecting on lessons from history, he suggested that such a line would provide psychological and material defense, enhancing security for vulnerable border regions. The proposal coincides with ongoing discussions in the region about strengthening military infrastructure and interoperability among NATO members situated on the alliance's eastern frontier.