Russia to demand NATO rollback: Baltic states on alert
The head of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns that Russia may issue an ultimatum during Ukraine negotiations regarding NATO borders reverting to their 1997 status. This would mean demanding the withdrawal from the Alliance of countries such as Poland and the Baltic states. The Kremlin included such demands in a security treaty proposal presented at the end of 2021.
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 for "Žiniu Radijas." The Kremlin's demands could involve the withdrawal from NATO from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, and new members of the Alliance, such as Finland and Sweden.
International reactions
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna also expressed his concern. "The only dictator, the only tyrant, the only aggressor, the only war criminal here remains Putin—there is no doubt about that," Tsahkna said on the ETV television program.
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 that peace negotiations can only occur with Ukraine's full involvement. 82 members of the 100-member chamber supported the declaration.
