The Baltic States initiated consideration at the NATO summit of the issue of deploying American air defense systems on its territory
Today in Brussels the NATO summit starts - the first in a very long period in the face-to-face format. Previous meetings were held online due to the pandemic.
A range of issues has already been identified that are planned to be discussed in the Belgian capital. One of the main topics is related to the further "development" of the alliance. On the summit agenda, this topic is designated as follows: the modernization and development of the alliance with an increase in the level of security and an increase in the ability to respond to modern challenges.
Russia is identified as the main "challenge" for NATO. First, at the summit of the alliance they are going to make a decision to exclude Russia from the list of "constructive partners". Secondly, they are going to discuss the future Russian military exercises "West-2021". They will be held with the interaction of the Armed Forces of Russia and Belarus.
NATO functionaries note that "special attention should be paid to preparing Russia for the large-scale military maneuvers" West-2021 ". It is stated that this large-scale military exercise "threatens the countries of the post-Soviet space, which are either already members of NATO or intend to become members of the alliance." In addition, it is noted that "in a number of post-Soviet states, the preparation of the Russian Armed Forces for military exercises on the western borders causes serious tension."
In particular, the Minister of Defense of Estonia Kalle Laanet stated about "serious tension". According to him, at the summit it is necessary to reach agreements on providing a strategic framework to contain any emerging threats.
The Baltic countries have put forward a proposal to expand the capabilities of the so-called NATO air police. It's about fighting aviation various NATO countries, which on a rotational basis are engaged in patrolling the airspace of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
An initiative is also being put forward to deploy ground-based air defense systems in the Baltics, including American anti-aircraft missile systems. The Baltic capitals believe that the development of the air defense system in the region will reduce the "level of threat emanating from Russia." This issue, according to the authorities of the Baltic states, should become one of the main issues during the NATO summit.
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