We’re getting more European reaction to Vladimir Putin’s comments, this time from Latvia and Lithuania, two countries that border Russia.
Latvia’s Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics says the country will not offer refuge by “[issuing] humanitarian or other types of visas” to any Russians fleeing Moscow’s mobilisation of troops.
He cited security concerns, but added in further posts that “the level of military threat to Latvia is still low”.
Lithuania’s Defence Minister also tweeted to say the country’s main force to deter against any security threat has been put on high alert.
“As Russia’s military mobilisation will also take place near our borders, (Kaliningrad region), Lithuania’s Rapid Reaction Force is being put on high alert to prevent any provocation from Russia,” said Arvydas Anusauskas.
Kaliningrad, located between Lithuania and Poland, is a strategic region where Russia’s Baltic Fleet is headquartered but has no border with mainland Russia.
