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UK and Lithuania boost defence collaboration amid fears of Russian aggression
Britain and Lithuania signed a joint declaration on Monday (May 23) to boost defence and security collaboration, stepping up London's support of nations that fear Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop at Ukraine in trying to redraw Europe's borders.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, Baltic states such as Lithuania, a NATO member and former Soviet state, have become increasingly concerned they could be next to face Russian aggression.
Britain said the declaration would build on the defence cooperation the countries share as NATO allies and would increase resistance to threats, including from Russia and China. It gave no further details.
British foreign minister Liz Truss said in a statement: "The UK and Lithuania are two countries which believe in freedom and sovereignty, and who stand up to authoritarian regimes in Europe and across the world."
"We stand together with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal, barbaric war."
As far as the war in Ukraine, a Downing Street spokesperson said earlier on Sunday (May 22) that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson discussed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy Russia's blockade of Ukraine's shipping port Odesa.
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The spokesperson added that Johnson resolved to redouble efforts to provide vital food and humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine and ensure the country was able to export to the rest of the world.
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