The new NATO defence plans for the Baltic states could be approved as early as next week, says Lithuania's Chief of Defence Valdemaras Rupšys.
"We are in talks between the capitals of the member states, the last details are being agreed, there are interests and proposals from each state, which we cannot discuss publicly and will not detail,” Rupšys told BNS on Thursday.
“Yesterday I met with Admiral Rob Bauer, the chairman of the NATO Military Committee, and he expressed a clear opinion and hope that we will probably have the plans approved around mid-June," he added.
Further reading
The updated defence plans, encompassing the Baltic states and Poland, were drawn up in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. They reflect NATO’s evolving strategy of defence from the first days of a potential conflict. In the past, NATO planned for the Baltic states to defend themselves until allied reinforcements arrived.
Once the plans are adopted, the tactical-level plans will be developed in more detail. These are expected to be agreed upon by the end of the year.
"There will be more of a geographic 'tie-in' of [certain] units to specific locations,” Rupšys said. The plans will also include “redeployment, tactical actions”, he added.
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