The presence of NATO forces in Lithuania is a signal to Russia, Lieutenant Colonel Bas Schillemans, commander of the German-Dutch battalion in the Baltic republic, said in an interview with the Delfi news portal on October 7 .
“Our presence, but also our preparation, how we prepare and how we do it, is a signal not only to Lithuanians, but also to enemies: do not deal with us,” the military man said.
Schillemans noted that they train on Lithuanian territory and demonstrate their capabilities “to both Lithuanians and the Russian Federation.” He emphasized that the presence of six countries in one combat group in Lithuania is a clear enough message.Earlier, on September 10, it was reported that the countries that are part of the North Atlantic Alliance began a series of exercises near the borders of Russia , which will last until the end of autumn. Thus, from October 30 to November 12, Hammer-2024 will be held in Finland, and the naval exercises Mavi Balina and Poseidon’24 will be held in Turkey and Bulgaria.