A prime Lithuanian official instructed Euronews the Baltic nation "shouldn't be afraid" however "ought to be prepared" for a doable Russian escalation over the exclave of Kaliningrad.
The territory is a part of Russia however is geographically surrounded by Lithuania, Poland and the Baltic Sea.
Russia had warned it might "take motion" in opposition to Lithuania resulting from stops on items transiting by way of the Baltic nation to enter Kaliningrad, consistent with EU sanctions in opposition to Russia.
International affairs minister Gabrielius Landsbergis instructed Euronews that he didn't count on a standoff over the Russian exclave in an interview on the sidelines of the NATO summit.
"Russia is sad in regards to the sanctions...it's comprehensible the nation that was so depending on the West at the moment is being minimize off now from the provides which might be coming from the West, and it has grievances about this," Landbergis mentioned.
However, he mentioned, "nearly 0.7% of site visitors is being stopped that was going by way of the territory of Lithuania" which isn't a "massive motive" for a standoff.
"We're in session with European Fee to look into the methods of whether or not, you understand, there's a manner find out how to supply one thing, some measures to or to the Russian Federation that may reply such and such and worries.
"However then once more, there are different methods how they will transport supplies or no matter they should, to Kaliningrad," he mentioned.
Sweden and Finland becoming a member of NATO
Landsbergis, in the meantime, additionally spoke to Euronews about Finland and Sweden becoming a member of NATO, saying he hoped the ratification course of would go rapidly.
He mentioned the 2 nations becoming a member of NATO would make the Baltics area stronger.
"NATO has confirmed that it's prepared for the challenges of the twenty first century and the unblocking and really issuing an invite to 2 new members is a sign not only for the 2 members and the area but additionally for the world that NATO's able to face the challenges," Landsbergis instructed Euronews.
He mentioned NATO had proven that it's "in a position to settle for, invite, combine new, new members when they're dealing with the challenges."
On the deal each nations made with Turkey in alternate for the lifting of its veto, Landbergis mentioned the 2 nations have been "beacons relating to human rights."
"I've full confidence that they'd not sacrifice the fundamental ideas that they've been so adamant about defending within the earlier in earlier years," he mentioned.
The decision of the impasse for the 2 Nordic nations is especially vital for Lithuania.
As some diplomats instructed Euronews in Madrid, their membership might enhance the Alliance's presence within the Baltic Sea, which is strategically vital.
The Swedish island of Gotland is vital for the defence of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia.
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