The weekly SITREP (Situational Report) brings relevant events that happened in the Baltic region during the week that were either too small to be implemented in a full analysis or could not be published in full due to time restrictions. They nevertheless provide important background information concerning the Baltic Region.
General
- Poland and the Baltic States have called on NATO to expand their Air Policing mission into a real Air Defence mission.
- NATO confirmed the deployment of 4 multinational battalions in the Baltic States and Poland to increase the deterrence against Russia.
- The Canadian government is considering to commit troops to be stationed in Eastern Europe as part of NATO’s new force assembly.
Denmark
- 1,200 Danish soldiers will participate in operation Iron Wolf 16 that is being held in Lithuania.
Estonia
- Exercise Sabre Strike 16 has commenced on Monday June 13. Over 10,000 troops from 13 NATO members are participating. The exercise will focus on operating as a combined force. The exercise will last until June 21.
- A metal cylinder containing Uranium was found on Monday night in the woods near the village of Saustinomme located in the Parish of Saku near Tallinn. The container had Russian warning labels on it. It is unknown how long the container had been there and why it was hidden in a forest.
Finland
- Finnish and Lithuanian Defence ministers have held discussions about defending the Baltic States. This moves pulls Finland out of its previous neutral status.
Lithuania
- Iron wolf 16 exercise has commenced in Lithuania. An international battalion with US, German, French and Danish forces will participate in this exercise.
- Lithuania raised the possibility of Russia being able to invade the Baltic States and that such a possibility can not be excluded. Russia could hold large military exercises near the border and switch to an offensive in mere hours, taking NATO by surprise.
Poland
- Poland offers NATO to station troops near the border with Lithuania in order to protect the Suwalki Gap, the only land connection between Poland and the Baltic States.
- British engineers trained in bridge laying operations in northern Poland during exercise ANAKONDA 16.
Russia
- An Indian delegation to Russia is looking for more oil and natural gas cooperation with Russia. For Russia, such a deal is welcome as its energy sector is under sanctions by the EU as a result of the Russian involvement in Eastern Ukraine.
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