Brussels [Belgium], May 21 (ANI): The European Parliament's Conference of Presidents has expressed full solidarity with Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, strongly rejecting what it described as 'unfounded and dangerous' allegations by Russia that the Baltic states were preparing hostile actions against Moscow.

The statement by the European Parliament's political leaders was made in response to Russia's allegations against Latvia as well as Estonia and Lithuania.

It noted that the leaders strongly rejected the recent unfounded and dangerous allegations made by the Russian Federation against Latvia as well as Estonia and Lithuania, including claims that the Baltic states are preparing hostile actions against Russia or allowing their territory or airspace or military facilities to be used for attacks against Russia. Allegations which Latvia has categorically denied as disinformation.

The statement said that the accusations form part of a 'broader pattern of intimidation, disinformation and provocation directed against EU Member States and are particularly serious in light of repeated incursions of unidentified drones into the airspace and territory of the Baltic states' and called them as unacceptable and contributing to heightened tensions and instability in the region.

The Conference of Presidents expressed its full solidarity with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

'No EU Member State can be threatened, intimidated or subjected to coercive pressure by Russia. The security of the Baltic states is the security of the European Union as a whole.'

The leaders called on the Commission, the High Representative and the Council to continue supporting Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, in close coordination with NATO, in strengthening airspace surveillance, counter-drone capabilities and situational awareness, and in reinforcing their capacity to prevent and respond to further incursions.

'We call on the Commission, the High Representative and the Council to continue countering disinformation with stronger strategic communication, mobilise EU resources to protect the Eastern flank and reject fake news that threaten European democracy and security', the statement added.

It underlined that the European Union must remain united, vigilant and resolute in the face of Russian attempts to destabilise its neighbourhood, undermine European security and divide Member States.

In a post on X, EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen called the threats completely unacceptable and that Europe would respond with unity and strength.

https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/2057053732097998902?s=20

This comes after TASS had reported that the press bureau of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) reported that Kiev had convinced Riga to use its territory to carry out a drone operation against Russia. (ANI)