Kremlin responds to deployment of UK troops in Baltics and Poland

Speaking a news briefing on October 9, 2015, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said the deployment of British military servicemen in the Baltic States and Poland is not conducive to stability on the European continent, 

"What has been happening lately doesn't make the region more stable,” said Zakharova. “On the contrary, in my view, this poses a threat to the region's stability," 

“At the same time, it's necessary to hear and understand the motives behind these steps."

To underline its readiness as a NATO member and defend its allies in light of increased Kremlin aggression, the UK will ensure a regular presence of a company-size military personnel in the Baltics, the British Embassy in Riga said. 

The units deployed to the Baltics will consist of about 100 soldiers, but their make-up, as well as the place and time of the deployment have yet to be agreed.

The embassy's representatives indicated at the same time that although the UK will ensure a regular presence of its forces in the Baltic States, setting up permanent military bases is not being discussed.

According to UK Defence Secretary, the planned deployment of the British troops in the Baltic States and Poland will be "further reassurance for our allies on the eastern flank of NATO - for the Baltic states and for Poland.”