New modern deterrence plan needed, says British Ambassador to Lithuania

The experience gained by NATO allies in coopeartion in the Baltic states should be used to as the basis for creating a modern NATO deterrence plan at the NATO summit in Warsaw in July, said British Ambassador to Lithuania, Claire Lawrence.

Last week, the British Royal Navy frigate HMS Iron Duke visited Klaipėda, with the multi-purpose warship participating in exercises with the Lithuanian navy. It was the largest British warship ever to sail to Klaipėda.

“This is not the first visit of the ship, this year four British warships will visit the Baltic sea. But this visit is important because it is our biggest ship so far to visit Klaipėda. In my view, this visit is sending a really strong signal about our commitment to the security of the Baltic states as well as our participation in NATO operations and exercises,” said the ambassador.

When asked whether more British fleet engagement and more NATO naval activity in the Baltic would help deter Russia, the ambassador said that this issue is likely to be discussed at the NATO summit in Warsaw.

“We are determined to continue to pursue our commitment to the Baltic countries through NATO. We are looking forward to the NATO summit,” said Ambassador Lawrence.

LRT