Stuck between Poland and Lithuania, the strategically important territory was retained by Moscow after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Today it is the main base of the Russian Baltic Fleet and the 11th Army Corps, as well as an arsenal of advanced weapons, including Kinzhal supersonic missiles and nuclear-capable Iskander launchers. However, its millions of residents have become increasingly isolated since the start of the war in Ukraine, as its trade routes have been blocked and surrounding NATO member states have closed their airspace to Russian planes. For the last four
