Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland React Sharply to Russia's 'Plans' to Alter Maritime Borders in the Baltic

Russian authorities have decided to unilaterally change the country's maritime borders with Lithuania and Finland in the Baltic Sea. The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that Russia's actions are viewed as a deliberate, targeted, escalating provocation aimed at intimidating neighbouring countries and their societies. Today, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry is summoning a Russian representative for detailed explanations, and Lithuania's response will be agreed with its partners.

"This is yet another proof that Russia's aggressive and revisionist policy poses a threat to the security of neighbouring states and the whole of Europe. Lithuania reminds and calls on Russia to respect and adhere to the universally recognised principles and norms of international law, as well as international and bilateral agreements on the inviolability of borders," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said that Russia had not contacted Finland on this issue. 

"The Finnish authorities are investigating information in the Russian media about the definition of maritime zones in the Gulf of Finland. The government is closely monitoring the situation," Stubb said.

In turn, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said that her ministry was clarifying the details reported by the media.   

"The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea contains provisions on the definition of maritime zones of coastal states, including their revision. We assume that Russia, as a party to the Convention, will act accordingly," she said.

Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže said that her country is in contact with its colleagues in Finland, Lithuania and other countries in the Baltic Sea to clarify the situation.