The Baltic states are expressing significant dissatisfaction after the UK did not invite their leaders to an upcoming summit on Ukraine this weekend. A European diplomatic source, who preferred to remain unnamed, indicated that Moscow would take note of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia’s exclusion, suggesting a perception that these nations have been “sold out” by the US, UK, and France.
Sir Keir Starmer, who recently met with Donald Trump in Washington, is set to host leaders from over a dozen European nations for discussions on Russia’s war in Ukraine and broader European security. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also expected to attend following talks with the US president at the White House.
While Starmer plans to have a phone conversation with the leaders of the Baltic states, the diplomatic source emphasized that this does not compensate for their exclusion from the in-person summit, stating, “We are truly very unhappy with the refusal to invite the Baltic leaders.”
Situated on NATO’s eastern flank with Russia, the Baltic countries are among NATO’s top defense spenders relative to their GDP. They have been staunch supporters of Ukraine, contributing weapons and funding to support its defense against Russian aggression, and have long been vocal about the threats posed by President Vladimir Putin.
France is reportedly assisting the UK in organizing the summit, which aims to discuss support for Ukraine. This includes exploring the establishment of an international “reassurance” force that could be deployed to Ukraine to help secure a ceasefire, contingent upon a successful negotiation between Kyiv and Moscow.
Discussions will also address broader European security in light of Trump’s directives that NATO allies in Europe need to assume greater responsibility for their own security, rather than relying predominantly on the US military. Notable invitees include leaders from Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Poland, although both Finland and Poland have publicly stated they will not contribute troops to any international security force in Ukraine.
The diplomatic source reiterated that the Baltic states have a strategic plan but were not included in the summit. “All three Baltic countries are among the highest supporters for Ukraine in terms of percentage of GDP and capabilities provided,” the source remarked, expressing concern that decisions made at the summit directly impact their security. “It feels like another pact to divide Europe or take us for granted. Shameful.”
Despite their exclusion, the UK acknowledges Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia as vital partners and collaborates with them through the Joint Expeditionary Force, a coalition of like-minded European NATO states. Downing Street has been approached for comments regarding the situation.
Credit: Sky News
