Nordic and Baltic states condemn new Russian disinformation campaign

The foreign ministers of the Nordic and Baltic states issued a joint statement on Friday condemning a new Russian disinformation campaign, Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry announced.

The ministers “categorically reject Russia’s blatant disinformation campaign and false claims, supported by Belarus, following airspace violations in the Nordic and Baltic region,” the statement reads. They strongly condemned Russia’s threats to use force against Latvia and other regional states.

Recent drone incidents in NATO airspace were described as a direct consequence of Russia’s “unlawful war of aggression against Ukraine.” The ministers stressed that Nordic and Baltic countries have never allowed their territory or airspace to be used for attacks on targets in Russia.

According to the statement, Russia aims to divert attention from its illegal war and intimidate NATO allies. The ministers reaffirmed Ukraine’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter and pledged continued political, diplomatic, military, and financial support to achieve a just and lasting peace in line with UN principles.

As NATO allies, the Nordic and Baltic states remain united in defending Alliance territory and airspace, fully committed to collective defence under Article 5, the statement said. “A strong and credible deterrence and defence, particularly on NATO’s eastern flank, remain essential to our security,” the ministers declared.

The countries vowed to further strengthen their defence capabilities and continue efforts to counter Russia’s malicious actions, including disinformation.