US assures nervous Baltics of NATO protection against Russia

By MATTHEW LEE
AP Diplomatic Writer

RIGA, Latvia (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has assured Lithuania and Latvia of NATO protection and American support. Blinken made quick visits Monday to two of the three Baltic states that are increasingly on edge as Russia presses ahead with its invasion of Ukraine. Along with Estonia, the ex-Soviet republics are NATO members. The Biden administration aims to calm any fears they have about their security if Russia chooses to expand its military operations. Blinken says the Baltics have “formed a democratic wall” against “the tide of autocracy” Russia is pushing. Leaders in Lithuania and Latvia have expressed grave concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions. Blinken visits Estonia on Tuesday.