The Baltic states are “very sad” after the UK failed to ask their leaders to hitch a summit on Ukraine this weekend, a European diplomatic supply has mentioned.
The supply, with data of the scenario, warned that Moscow would discover with curiosity that Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have been excluded.
“Russia and our publics will clearly assess this that we’re offered out by the US, but in addition by [the] UK and France,” mentioned the supply, who spoke on the situation of anonymity.
Sir Keir Starmer, contemporary again from a friendly meeting with Donald Trump in Washington, is because of host the leaders of greater than a dozen European international locations for a summit within the UK on Sunday to debate Russia’s warfare in Ukraine and wider European safety.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who’s holding talks with the US president on the White Home on Friday, can also be as a result of attend.
The diplomatic supply confirmed Sir Keir would have a cellphone name with the leaders of the Baltic states – however signalled this was a poor substitute for not taking part within the summit, which can happen in individual.
“We’re actually very sad with a refusal to ask the Baltic leaders,” the supply mentioned.
The three Baltic international locations – positioned on NATO’s jap flank with Russia – are among the many highest defence spenders in NATO as a share of GDP.
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They’re additionally, relative to their small measurement, among the many largest supporters of Ukraine – giving weapons and funding to assist the Ukrainian armed forces combat off Russia’s invasion – and have been the strongest voices in Europe elevating the alarm concerning the risk posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin for years.
The supply mentioned France was serving to to organise the summit with Downing Avenue. It will likely be used to debate assist for Ukraine, together with a plan to create a global “reassurance” power that could possibly be deployed to the nation to assist safe a ceasefire if the US can negotiate a deal between Kyiv and Moscow.
Wider European safety will even be mentioned after Mr Trump made clear European NATO allies have to take a a lot higher duty for their very own safety as a substitute of counting on the highly effective US army.
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The supply mentioned the leaders of Norway, Finland, Sweden and Poland have been among the many invitees, noting Helsinki and Warsaw have each publicly dominated out contributing troops to a global safety power in Ukraine.
The supply mentioned members of the Baltic states “have a plan… however [were] not invited”.
“All three Balts are among the many highest supporters for Ukraine when it comes to share of GDP and capabilities supplied,” the supply mentioned.
“All choices instantly affect our safety. Like one other pact to divide Europe or take us as a right. Shameful.”
The UK regards Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia as key companions. The three Baltic states are intently allied with Britain as members of the Joint Expeditionary Drive, a grouping of like-minded European NATO member states.
Downing Avenue was approached with a request for remark.
