“Russia miscalculated. Instead of dividing Europe and weakening NATI, this war, which violates international law, strengthened our unity. Germany, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have pledged to extend support to Ukraine. For example, by increasing the pressure of sanctions against Russia and taking additional measures to prevent the possibility of bypassing the sanctions,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said during the meeting with the leaders of the Baltic states.
The meeting lasted almost two hours, and one of the main issues that the politicians focused on at the press conference was related to strengthening the European Union’s own defense, regardless of the support of allies.
The leaders of all four countries expressed their willingness to strengthen their defense capabilities, as well as to ensure that the leaders of all other member states do the same.
“Our military capabilities are extremely important. Therefore, we must strengthen not only support for Ukraine, which is currently its first priority, but we must also strengthen, of course, the European common security space, and strengthen ourselves. Because Latvia and the Baltic states have already given quite a lot of their military capabilities to Ukraine. It is clear that we need to think about how we can fill up those warehouses and strengthen ourselves, and in general raise our defense capabilities to another level in Europe,” said Prime Minister Evika Siliņa during a meeting with the Chancellor of Germany and the leaders of Estonia and Lithuania.
For a long time, Germany has been asked why it does not send “Taurus” missile systems to Ukraine. Also during the meeting with the leaders of the Baltic states, Olaf Scholz avoided giving an answer to the question of what would have to happen in order for Germany to change its opinion on sending “Taurus” systems to Ukraine. Scholz pointed out that Germany is doing enough to help with other types of armaments. “The three Patriot systems, that’s the biggest single country contribution. We have also taken steps to open new missile production facilities in Germany,” he said during the meeting.
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European Union enlargement was also on the agenda, and the leaders of all four countries agreed that Ukraine and Moldova should move forward with accession talks as soon as possible.
“Germany is an important friend, ally and partner of Latvia in economic and security matters. We highly value Germany’s investment in the security of our region and its leading role in mobilizing air defense and other military support for Ukraine,” Prime Minister Evika Silina said on her “X” account on Monday, May 6.
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Tags: Scholz Germany Baltic states committed expanding support Ukraine
