JFC Brunssum Hosts Russian Speaking Minorities in the Three Baltic States Conference

Allied Joint force Command Brunssum hosted a "Russian Speaking Minorities in the Three Baltic States Conference", in Brunssum, the Netherlands.

JFC Brunssum’s Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations), Major General Scott Smith, took a central role in enabling an information exchange between Brunssum’s NATO HQs personnel and a panel of high-level civilian and military Baltic specialists. The objective was to promote enhanced understanding of the situation and concerns of Russian minorities inhabiting NATO’s northern flank.

General Farina, JFC Brunssum Commander, welcomed visitors and introduced the briefing program. In his remarks the General underlined the need for holistic solutions and robust situational awareness in order to be effective, stating: " we need to be well informed in advance not to be surprised”.

Amongst a number of distinguished speakers, Colonel Laura Potter of US Army Europe, underlined Russia’s transparent intent to protect the 22 million Russian speaking people living on the near abroad of Russian territory.

As an introduction to a series of related conferences the "Russian speaking minorities in the 3 Baltic States Conference" allowed staff members to have a precise overview on Russia’s potential involvement among the Russian speaking minorities.