The changes in the world and Europe that have taken place since Russia’s war against Ukraine require new, non-standard solutions from NATO, said Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs (JV) after a meeting with the Baltic and German foreign ministers.
The politician noted that the security situation in the region was discussed with colleagues. The ministers also addressed the forthcoming NATO Madrid Summit and discussed a range of practical issues concerning NATO’s expanded presence in the Baltic region.
The Minister emphasized that the Allies had already sent more troops to all three Baltic States. In Lithuania it is a German-led contingent, in Estonia it is a British contingent, and in Latvia it is a Canadian contingent. Ministers talked about things that need to be strengthened and improved: air defense, air defense measures, coastguard and more troops.
“We talked a lot about support for Ukraine. I would like to thank my colleagues from both the Baltic States and Germany for a very open conversation. “We also understand the plans that are on the agenda. We also understand the issue of security of supply, that too much information cannot be disclosed to ensure the smooth running of supplies. It is impressive, but we understand that war is going on and Ukraine needs more.”
The Latvian Foreign Minister emphasized to journalists.
Ministers also discussed what more could be done together. The question was also raised about the future strategy towards Russia and Belarus. Rinkēvičs emphasized that Latvia currently sees Russia and Belarus as a unified entity in terms of military policy.
“We believe that sanctions need to be strengthened and continued. Sanctions in the field of energy need to be tougher, but we also understand that we need to work to reduce energy dependency. The Baltic States and Germany already have some decisions, some plans. Even if we “We understand that maybe we can’t do something today, we also understand that Russia ‘s aggressive policy will not go away,” the Latvian Foreign Minister emphasized, pointing out the need to reorient the countries’ economies from co – operation with Russia to maximum disruption.
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