The Ministers of Defense of the Baltic States Artis Pabriks, Kalle Lānets and Gabriel Landsbergis met in Vilnius today with the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who has confirmed the US commitment to protect all NATO allies, the Ministry of Defense informs.
The parties discussed the security situation in the Baltic region in the context of Russia’s military activities in Ukraine and its borders.
“Austin confirmed that the United States highly values its commitment to its allies, including the Baltic States, and will continue to support the strengthening of security in the region. I emphasized that Russia will not change and that we need to be able to adapt. “Russia understands only a strict and decisive policy,” said Pabriks.
During the conversation, the Latvian Minister of Defense thanked for the current US support and current policy in exposing Russia’s intentions towards Ukraine, as well as for the US contribution to strengthening the Eastern flank.
“We have seen with increasing concern the increase in Russian forces in and around Ukraine. US President Joe Biden has made it clear that Russia will have serious consequences if it continues to invade Ukraine. Any Russian attack on Ukraine will not only lead to conflict but will also violate the state. “The rise of Russia ‘s forces in Belarus, which poses a further threat to Ukraine and increases regional tensions, is particularly worrying.”
The US Secretary of Defense thanked the Baltic States for their decision to provide Ukraine with defense weapons such as the Stinger anti-aircraft missile system and the Javelin anti-tank missile system. Austin also expressed unity in supporting Ukraine and reaffirmed the US commitment to defend Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and all NATO allies.
The United States takes its commitment to NATO Article 5 seriously, the ministry said. Austin said the US commitment to NATO and collective defense was “ironic.”
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