Russia issued a blunt warning to the Baltic states, saying they should "listen if they have any sense," in the latest escalation of rhetoric directed at NATO's eastern flank.

The statement came from the Russian Foreign Ministry, which accused Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania of pursuing policies that directly threaten Russia's security interests. The ministry singled out increased NATO military exercises and the deployment of additional allied troops in the region.

"The Baltic states are playing a very dangerous game," the ministry spokesperson said. "If they have any sense, they will listen to what we are saying before it is too late."

The three Baltic nations responded with a joint statement rejecting what they called Russia's intimidation tactics. They reaffirmed their commitment to NATO collective defense and called on allies to maintain a strong deterrence posture.

NATO Secretary General said the alliance stands firmly behind its Baltic members and warned against any attempts at coercion.