NewsRussia's bold NATO ultimatum stirs Baltic concerns

Russia's bold NATO ultimatum stirs Baltic concerns

The head of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns that Russia may issue an ultimatum to revert NATO borders to their 1997 status during negotiations concerning Ukraine. This would mean demanding the withdrawal from the Alliance of countries such as Poland and the Baltic states. Such demands were included at the end of 2021 in a security treaty proposal presented by the Kremlin.

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Images source: © East News

Negotiations initiated by the United States with Russia concerning Ukraine are causing concern among the Baltic countries. "They will bring it to the table; they will certainly discuss it, I do not doubt that," said Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys in an interview with "Žiniu Radijas." The Kremlin's demands could involve the withdrawal from NATO from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, and new members of the Alliance, like Finland and Sweden.

International reactions

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna also voiced his concern, emphasizing on the ETV television program that there is no doubt about the situation—Putin remains the sole dictator, tyrant, aggressor, and war criminal.

Latvian diplomacy head Baiba Braže emphasized that "Putin must not be allowed to achieve his goals." In an interview with the BBC, she noted that it is in the allies' interest to ensure the security of the Euro-Atlantic area and support Ukraine.

In Riga, the parliament adopted a resolution expressing full support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Latvian deputies agreed peace negotiations could only occur with Ukraine's full involvement. Eighty-two members of the 100-member chamber supported the declaration.

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