Russia-Belarus drills: Danilov discusses escalation with Lithuanian president’s adviser

According to the NSDC press service, Danilov paid a working visit to the Republic of Lithuania between May 31 and June 1. During the visit, the delegation of the NSDC Staff took part in events dedicated to discussing topical issues of cooperation and promising areas for developing Ukraine’s relations with Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland.

During Danilov’s meeting with Kuliešius, the parties exchanged views on the current security situation in the region, in particular, in the context of aggravating danger on the Ukrainian-Belarusian border on the eve of Russia’s and Belarus’s joint command-and-staff exercise Zapad 2021, as well as the recent hijacking of a Ryanair aircraft in Minsk.

According to Danilov, since the previous meeting of the national security heads within the Lublin Triangle in March this year, the situation in the region has significantly worsened. “The events in Belarus have become a challenge not only to Europe but to the whole world,” the NSDC secretary said adding that the hijacking of the Ryanair aircraft in Belarus “has all the markings of Russia’s intelligence operation”.

“They are carrying out constant provocations, and if this is not noticed, they will move on,” he said adding that Ukraine and its Baltic partners should “help build a democratic Belarus”.

According to Danilov, changes in the current situation will depend on joint actions with our strategic partners and on “how strong we will be”. “We are an outpost and protection of the whole of Europe,” he said stressing the importance of unity in resisting Russia’s hybrid aggression.

In this context, the NSDC secretary underscored the importance of implementing Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, which is one of the main strategic tasks set by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.

Moreover, Danilov noted that soon a new type of troops will be established in Ukraine - the cyber troops. “Challenges and threats in cyberspace today are much more dangerous than nuclear weapons, and the exchange of experience in this area is extremely important,” he said adding that it is important to intensify cooperation within the cyber center in Kaunas.

In his turn, Mr. Kuliešius spoke in favor of strengthening the “agreed position of our countries in supporting Ukraine”. In particular, he stressed that the recent visit of President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda to Ukraine “was very fruitful”.

He noted that Lithuania’s assessment of the security situation in the region “coincides with the position of the Ukrainian side”. In his opinion, Russia continues to demonstrate force, and Belarus is becoming a kind of proving ground for Russia.

Mr. Kuliešius supported the proposal to strengthen cybersecurity cooperation between the two countries and also assured of the unwavering support of Ukraine on its way to NATO and EU integration.

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