Lithuania raises alert level for rapid response forces… Finland “watch the situation”
Latvia: Preparing for Russians seeking asylum by evading mobilization orders
After Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a “partial mobilization order” on the 21st (local time) to increase troops, neighboring countries bordering Russia have increased their military readiness postures and access restrictions, Reuters and others reported.
Lithuania, one of the three Baltic countries, has raised the level of alertness of its rapid reaction forces in response to Russian mobilization orders.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvidas Anusauskas said in a Facebook post that “a Russian evacuation order will also be implemented in Kaliningrad, a territory outside Russia.”
Foreign Minister Edgas Linkevich of neighboring Latvia has expressed security concerns and said he would not grant asylum to Russians trying to avoid mobilization.
Latvian Defense Minister Artis Fabrics also stressed that, although he would not immediately strengthen his vigilance, he should prepare for a situation where Russians subject to mobilization seek asylum.
“If Russians in Estonia go to war, they will not come back,” warned Beiko Komusar, who works for the Estonian government’s security establishment.
Finland, which was used as a gateway for Russians to enter Western Europe, was also wary of Russia’s mobilization order.
“Militarily, it is stable and quiet,” said Finnish Defense Minister Anti-Kaikkonen.
He added, “Personally, I believe the foundations have been laid to make the issuing of Russian visas more stringent.”
/happy news
