“The NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Groups deployed in the three Baltic states and Poland, as well as the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission, are a substantial contribution of the allies to the regional security. Military presence of NATO and the allies in the region strengthens deterrence and decreases the threats of a military conflict. General Tod D. Wolters has great merits in that,” Minister A. Anušauskas said.
The Supreme Allied Commander Europe, one of the two strategic commanders of NATO, heads the Allied Command Operations (ACO) responsible for planning and execution of all Alliance operations.
Minister A. Anušauskas underscored that the threat from Russia remained and pointed out the oncoming large scope exercise ZAPAD21. According to Minister, the Alliance needed to step up deterrence and stay ready to act quickly, especially in the event of collective defence.
“The Russian threat is a big concern. We are grateful to Supreme Allied Commander Europe for his solid role in strengthening deterrence and collective defence,” says Minister A. Anušauskas.
General T. D. Wolters has been serving as SACEUR since 2019, he is also the Commander of the U.S. European Command. During the visit in Lithuania the guest also met with Chief of Defence of Lithuania Lieutenant General Valdemaras Rupšys.