Фото: vm.ee
The foreign ministers of the Nordic and Baltic states issued a joint statement firmly rejecting the Russian information campaign and accusations related to airspace violations in the region. Belarus, according to the ministers, is supporting this campaign.
“The foreign ministers of the Nordic and Baltic countries firmly reject Russia’s blatant disinformation campaign and false claims, supported by Belarus, regarding airspace violations in the Nordic-Baltic region. We strongly condemn Russia’s threats to use force against Latvia and other countries in the region,” the statement’s authors stressed.
The statement, published by Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry, underlined that incidents involving drones entering NATO airspace “are a direct consequence of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.”
“The Nordic and Baltic countries have never allowed their territory or airspace to be used for these attacks on targets in Russia. Russia is seeking to divert attention from its illegal war and intimidate NATO allies. This will not succeed and must stop immediately,” the foreign ministers said.
The ministers reaffirmed Ukraine’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter and their intention to continue political, diplomatic, military and financial support for Ukraine.
The countries also reaffirmed unity in defending NATO territory and airspace in accordance with Article 5 and their intention to strengthen defence capabilities and counter Russian disinformation operations.
“A strong and credible posture of deterrence and defence, especially on NATO’s eastern flank, remains critical to our security. The Nordic and Baltic countries will continue to strengthen their defence capabilities. We will also continue efforts to counter Russia’s malicious activities, including disinformation,” they said.