Defence cooperation tightens at Suwalki gap amid Russian threats
Poland and Lithuania are executing a defence plan against Russia at the Suwalki Gap. This was confirmed by the Chief of Defence of Lithuania, Gen. Remigijus Baltrenas. The Lithuanian military official also acknowledged that the authorities in Vilnius fear Russian aggression and rely on the support of the Polish army in the event of a possible invasion.
The Suwa;ki Gap is considered one of the most sensitive points on the map of Europe. This narrow strip of land separates the NATO countries (Poland and Lithuania) from the territories of Russia and Belarus. Many experts predict that a potential attack by the Russian army on the North Atlantic Alliance could begin there.
Chief of Defence of Lithuania Gen. Remigijus Baltrenas revealed in a conversation with "Fakt" that Poles and Lithuanians are practising a scenario of a Russian attack on NATO in the Suwalki Gap area. A defence plan against Russian aggression is being implemented.
"The plan has been implemented and is exercised annually. We are convinced on both sides, Lithuanian and Polish, that we will be ready to counter aggression and prevent Russia from invading Lithuania, Poland or any other NATO territory," emphasises Gen. Baltrenas in a conversation with "Fakt".
The Lithuanian military official added that he "absolutely" counts on the support of the Polish forces in the event of a possible attack by Russia on Lithuania. He highlighted that Poles and Lithuanians are increasingly focusing on defence. He mentioned, among other things, the eastern shield and the increase in GDP allocated to the military.
"The NATO alliance and the Baltic Sea region countries are working together, and we are able to achieve a deterrence and defence effect. From my perspective, we are currently stabilising the Baltic situation," stated the Lithuanian military official.
At the same time, Gen. Remigijus Baltrenas admitted that "the biggest challenge is the integration of the Belarusian and Russian armed forces. They have become one under the command of the Russian side".
