Secretary of State Blinken authorizes Baltic countries to send American weapons to Ukraine

Amid tensions between Ukraine and Russia, the three Baltic nations have agreed to send American-manufactured anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine with the support of Washington.

In a tweet Saturday night U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken saluted Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania “for their longstanding support to Ukraine.” He added, “I expedited and authorized and we fully endorse transfers of defensive equipment NATO Allies Estonia Latvia Lithuania are providing to Ukraine to strengthen its ability to defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked and irresponsible aggression” (CBS News).

Moscow opposes the NATO allies’ support of Ukraine. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, described the western arms supply of Ukraine as extremely dangerous and doing “nothing to reduce tensions” (USA Today).

The fears of invasion from Baltic nations come from Moscow placing tens of thousands of troops near the Russia-Ukraine border. The defense ministers of the three Baltic states are confident that their decision affirms their position to “stand united in our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in face of continued Russian aggression” (USA Today).

Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas stated, “History shows us that conceding to the aggressor eventually ends in a big war. We do not want this. Any country which is defending itself must have opportunities to do this. Our decision will contribute to the implementation of a deterrence policy.”

“Let’s face it, the war in Ukraine is ongoing and it is important to support Ukraine in every way we can so that they can resist the aggressor,” Estonian Defense Minister Kalle Laanet commented (The Moscow Times).

Among the tension and uncertainty, the US State Department has been considering the safety of the US Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine by reducing its diplomatic presence there (USA Today).