NATO flexes muscle to protect Vilnius summit near Russia, Belarus By Andrius Sytas July 9, 2023
Summary Vilnius becomes heavily-defended bastion for summit Allies chip in advanced weaponry to defend NATO leaders Venue is just 32 km (20 miles) from border with Belarus Allies send troops, jets, air defence, artillery, police Lithuania leader wants NATO to defend Baltic skies permanently
NATO has turned Vilnius into a fortress defended by advanced weaponry to protect U.S. President Joe Biden and other alliance leaders meeting next week only 32 km (20 miles) from Lithuania's razor-wire topped border fence with Russian ally Belarus.
Sixteen NATO allies have sent a total of about 1,000 troops to safeguard the July 11-12 summit, which will take place only 151 km (94 miles) from Russia itself. Many are also providing advanced air defence systems which the Baltic states lack.
