When asked whether the involvement of NATO forces in Ukraine is still a matter of discussion, taking into account the recent statements of French President Emmanuel Macron, Braze emphasized: “Directly – no. Directly, NATO’s boots on Ukrainian soil – such scenarios are not discussed directly.”
She pointed out that this would mean a new military operation to which all NATO allies would have to agree. “These are no longer NATO territory defense plans that have already been authorized,” explained Braze.
At the same time, she admitted that both NATO and individual allies are doing everything possible to make Ukraine win the full-scale war started by Russia. “There are things that can be done more, and we all want more to be done, because the war in Ukraine is an existential war not only for Ukraine, but for other countries,” the diplomat emphasized.
On the other hand, commenting on the statements of retired US army lieutenant general Ben Hodges that Lithuania should be ready to defend itself for two weeks, Braže emphasized that Article 5 of the NATO agreement does not mean the beginning of defense.
In other words, when threats increase and the situation changes, the reaction capabilities of NATO allies and ourselves – Latvia – also change. For example, in February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, NATO’s supreme commander was immediately given increased powers – countries transferred the right to command their troops and additional rapid response capabilities.
“If the security situation at our borders changes, the next reaction will undoubtedly follow. Currently, there are 3,000 allied forces in Latvia. The USA arrived here on the night of February 24 within a couple of hours. Within a couple of hours,” emphasized Braže.
“Currently on site [Latvijā] there are just so many [karaspēka]as much as we need, because we have no military threats at the moment,” the diplomat emphasized.
“When the Secretary General of NATO and our top military commanders say that there is no direct military threat to the Baltic States or any ally, there is a specific basis for that. It’s not because I think so,” she continued.
On the other hand, security expert Andis Kudors did not agree that there are enough soldiers if there is a large-scale invasion, but the increased presence here is due to military exercises: “The presence is here, not saying that we are here forever, but de facto the number of our allied forces is greater than NATO’s extended battle group.”
Kudor pointed out that, taking into account modern technologies, it is impossible not to notice the attraction of Russian forces – it cannot be done imperceptibly. “I don’t see that they would be able to launch a large-scale land invasion that wouldn’t be seen on satellites. I won’t say how many days it would be, but we would be able to prepare and we could start receiving reinforcements from our allies,” assessed Kudor and added that our own determination and readiness are also important fight against the enemy.
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2024-02-28 19:59:16
#Diplomat #Braže #NATO #boots #land #Ukraine
