Skudra reminded that after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s talks with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Geneva, Lavrov told the media that he thought the Baltic states and Poland were “defying” NATO and the European Union, and called the four countries Russophobic. Thus, the Baltic States and Poland have earned public condemnation from Russia.
“This means that they do not like the independent action of these countries. Lavrov could probably interpret it as pro-American, but in this case it is an exaggeration,” Skudra commented. Apparently, in Moscow for some reason it is believed that the condemnation of Russia’s military activities in the Baltic States and Poland is the most active, the political scientist points out.
With regard to the supply of Baltic armaments to Ukraine, Skudra considers that the supply of armaments by the Baltic States is in line with the position adopted by Germany in providing civilian products to Ukraine.
Ants emphasized that the weapons supplied to Ukraine by the Baltic states are intended for protection, not attack. Given Ukraine’s scale and needs, the armaments that the Baltic States are able to offer are symbolic. Of course, they could be useful for a particular unit or one battalion in the event of an attack that Russia denies.
As reported, in response to Russia’s aggressive actions, Latvia will send the Stinger air defense missile system, individual equipment and dry food supplies to Ukraine, the Latvian Defense Ministry’s (AM) Press Department said.
In response to Russia’s aggressive actions, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are united in their commitment to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Baltic States will continue to support Ukraine not only diplomatically and politically, but also by strengthening Ukraine’s self-defense capabilities.
Given Russia’s intensified military pressure on Ukraine and its borders, the Baltic states have decided to respond to Ukraine’s needs and provide additional defense assistance. This assistance will further strengthen Ukraine’s ability to protect its territory and population in the event of possible Russian aggression, AM said.
By strengthening the military capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Latvia and Lithuania will provide the Stinger air defense missile system and the necessary equipment. Latvia will also send individual equipment and dry food. In turn, Estonia will provide anti-tank missile systems “Javelin”.
In recent months, there has been an intensification of Russian forces at Ukraine’s borders. The US and the EU have threatened Russia with strong economic sanctions if it attacks Ukraine.
This week, after talks with US Secretary of State Blinken in Geneva on Friday, Lavrov announced that the US would provide written answers to Russia’s “security guarantees” next week.
Moscow denies any intentions to attack Ukraine, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened that he will have to take “military technical measures” if he does not receive the “security guarantees” he has demanded.
The United States and other NATO members have stated that these demands are unacceptable and not even negotiable, but have shown readiness to talk about arms control, missile deployment and confidence-building measures.
Russia has repeatedly demanded a written response from Washington to its proposals.
