“If you look at the posture of the Russian troops in Belarus, then yes, you have to consider militarily, whether it is a threat to the Baltic states and, more particularly, to Lithuania now. But then, of course, you have to look at the intent as well: is there indication that the Russians or Belarus have an intention to hurt the Baltic states, and particularly Lithuania?” he told reporters in Vilnius on Monday.
“Up until now, we don't see an intent, we don't expect an attack on NATO soil by Russia – either directly or via Belarus,” Bauer said, adding that there are some 30,000 Russian troops currently in Belarus.
Meanwhile diplomatic efforts continue to reduce tensions between Russia and Ukraine with French President Emmanuel Macron due to have meetings in Kyiv and Moscow. Latvian Prime Minister Krisjānis Kariņš said he had spoken with the French leader about the situation over the weekend.
Had a phone call with @EmmanuelMacron during the weekend ahead of his visit to Moscow and Kyiv. I underlined the importance of keeping the unity among Allies, continuing strong support to Ukraine as well as to strengthening of NATO presence in the Baltic states.
— Krišjānis Kariņš (@krisjaniskarins) February 7, 2022
