NATO countries are now reportedly moving missiles much closer to Russia’s borders by sendign them to the Baltic states under the guise of trying to enhance Europe’s defense capabilities in the region.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anušauskas discussed the defense model at a press conference on Thursday, stating that the defense systems will be operational in his nation later this year.
NATO countries have decided to establish a rotational system where allied countries will deploy air defense systems to the Baltic states for a set period of time, as discussed during the Vilnius NATO Summit in the summer.
Anušauskas did not specify the Western countries participating in the initial deployment of the defenses in Lithuania, but did mention the inclusion of Patriot surface-to-air missile systems.
According to a defense official, the Patriots were supplied by a European ally, not the United States.
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have been vocal members of NATO, urging the Western bloc to prepare for Russia’s next potential offensive in the region.
There has been ongoing tension between Moscow and Western countries during the conflict in Ukraine, with strong support from NATO members for Ukraine in spite of continued misgivings about its performance on the battlefield since the failure of its counteroffensive in 2023.
Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, attributed the alliance’s impact on Ukraine’s government as a factor that forced his country into war.
Putin has repeatedly stated that the conflict cannot be resolved until Ukraine agrees to remain neutral in the future.
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