If Russia attacks the Baltics, will NATO react accordingly? Ramstein Contact Group – any cautious expectations? Peacekeeping missions in Ukraine – what for. Robert Fico and his threats to cut power. Energy crisis in the so-called “Transnistria” \u2013 can Russia lose control over the territory if Moldova comes for help?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Linas Linkevicius<\/strong>, Lithuanian ex Ministry of Foreign Affairs Head answers questions in this interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 My first question is not actually mine. I\u2019ve met someone from Lithuania recently, and he said there are too many back doors. He asked: “Tomorrow, God forbid, if Russia invades the Baltic states\u2014my native Latvia, your native Lithuania, and Estonia\u2014will NATO respond in full might, or will they leave the Baltic states to their own fate? What do you think?”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 No, these fantasies are not for discussion, you know, making assumptions. First of all, I don\u2019t think they will invade. Secondly, NATO will definitely defend itself because NATO has been criticized a lot about not intervening or engaging when something wrong happens in Europe\u2014or in the Euro-Atlantic area, even, let\u2019s say. To protect itself, that will be a decisive moment for NATO; otherwise, NATO is not needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also understood by everyone\u2014there\u2019s too much at stake, so to say. My feeling is that, first of all, it will not happen because there are other tasks for the aggressor so far that are not fulfilled. There\u2019s much to do in their so-called backyard to start something bigger. Although we know resources are also not unlimited, madness has no limits, as we all know. So, it\u2019s very difficult to predict exactly, but since you\u2019re asking about assumptions, I\u2019m trying to share some of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 But let\u2019s make a small prediction of something that\u2019s more or less predictable. Tomorrow is the next meeting of the Ramstein Contact Group. I wonder\u2014should there be any cautious expectations that can be called favorable for Ukraine, or is this purely an official event? Say hello, congratulate each other, and say goodbye?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 No, I think, first of all, it\u2019s not to say goodbye. I like the statements of Austin, even though he\u2019s leaving and the administration is about to end its activity. He said it should continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019re talking about the 25th meeting of Ramstein, right? Too many anniversaries. It\u2019s also a reminder that there\u2019s not just one coalition of willing countries helping Ukraine. In fact, there are eight coalitions on specific issues and very important matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The statement from Austin referred to the meeting as a milestone, so it should really be backed by substance. A slogan is not sufficient\u2014there should be more concrete information. The ambition is to make this support process sustainable at least until 2027. And as a reminder, there are more countries in the world, not just the United States. While the U.S. is decisive and crucial, it\u2019s not the only one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ambition is to keep the process alive. I welcome that mood and believe it\u2019s really doable. Is it sufficient? Is there enough leadership to run the show? That\u2019s another question. Sometimes it\u2019s not, but maybe these challenges will make the group stronger, and they\u2019ll understand that the process should continue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not just a meeting to say goodbye\u2014it\u2019s to remind everyone that the group is still alive, there are eight coalitions, and they aim to continue supporting Ukraine in a sustainable way.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n