Pence: Russian aggression, greatest threat to Baltic states

US Vice President Mike Pence today assured the leaders of the Baltic countries that the United States is committed to protecting the region. At a joint press conference with the presidents of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia, Mr. Pence said that “Russia is an unpredictable threat” while demonstrating hope of improving relations with Moscow.

US Vice President Mike Pence said today that there is no greater threat to Baltic states than the “fantism of aggression” from Russia, while he promised support for NATO allies Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Russia is now trying to redefine international borders by force, damage sovereign countries' democracies and divide Europe's free countries. Under President Donald Trump's leadership, the United States of America opposes any attempt to use force, threats, or malicious influence in the Baltic states or any ally of the” treaty.

Mr. Pence spoke in Tallinn, capital of Estonia, after meeting with Estonian President Kerstie Kaljulayed, Latvia President Raymonds and Lithuanian President Dalia Graruskait.

The US vice president said Moscow's request to cut 755 members of US diplomatic personnel would not impede the United States' commitment to allies.

“We hope for better days, for better relations with Russia, but the latest diplomatic actions undertaken by Moscow will not impede the United States' commitment to our security, that of our allies and the security of countries that want freedom worldwide”

Mr. Pence also praised Estonia for meeting its financial commitment to the Nato coalition by spending at least 2 per cent of its overall domestic production on defence and said Latvia and Lithuania will reach this level next year. President Trump has reiterated calls for Natos' countries to step up defence spending.

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have requested concrete expressions of American military support. Concerns about Russian expansionism have increased significantly in the Baltic region following Russia's annexation of Crime in 2014.

Vice President Pence goes to Georgia tonight, where American troops and Natos partners started military maneuvers Sunday and then he goes to Montenegro, the newest member of the alliance.

My message to the Baltic states, my message when to visit Georgia and Montenegro will be the same. For our allies here in Eastern Europe: We are with you, we stand by your side for freedom and it is a great honor for me to be here” The vice president said.

Referring to the prospect of increasing US sanctions against Russia, which Congress adopted last week by overwhelming majority, Mr. Pence said he and President Trump <x0); expected Russia's behaviour to change.

Mr. Pence said he expects President Trump to sign the sanctions bill, which imposes punitive measures against North Korea, Iran and Russia.