During the video conference of 28 July, the Ministers of Defence of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia shared the worsening security situation in the region where Lukashenka’s regime is conducting a hybrid operation against the Baltic states, the EU and NATO.
The Ministers expressed their unity and solidarity regarding the security threats in the Baltic region and agreed to coordinate their response and common actions, both trilaterally as well as internationally.
“The current situation on the border is not just a migrant crisis; it is hybrid warfare against the European Union, NATO and especially against the stability of the Baltic States. This hybrid attack requires a united and coordinated response from the Baltic States. We are grateful to Estonia and Latvia for their solidarity and unity in the face of these threats”, Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas said.
Minister of Defence of Estonia Kalle Laanet: “This is a very severe security crisis that directly impacts all Baltic countries and NATO’s north-eastern flank. We are determined to continue to support Lithuania and seek international support and assistance to resolve this security crisis“.
And the Minister of Defence of Latvia Dr. Artis Pabriks agreed to the positions stated by the Lithuanian and Estonian Ministers of Defence and supported the coordinated actions.
Minister A. Anušauskas thanked Estonia and Latvia for their support in strengthening the protection of the Lithuanian border with Belarus and the humanitarian aid: Estonia has provided Lithuania with 100 km of concertina wire, is planning to provide unmanned aerial vehicles and night vision systems; Latvia has already provided humanitarian aid – tents, beds, generators and other essential items.
At the meeting, the Defence Ministers of the Baltic States agreed to hold regular meetings of experts from the Baltic Defence Ministries in the form of video conferences to further discuss joint activities in response to the hybrid operation and the forthcoming exercise Zapad-21.
A.Pliadis/KAM photo.
