The presidents of Poland and Lithuania, Andrzej Duda and Gitanas Nausėda, observed a joint military drill along their shared border, emphasizing the importance of readiness in the face of potential aggression. The week-long Brave Griffin 24/II exercise took place along the Suwalki Gap, a strategically significant area that could be a flashpoint in a standoff between Russia and NATO. The border, spanning almost 100 kilometers between NATO members Poland and Lithuania, serves as a land corridor between Belarus and Russia’s Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad. The drill involved 1,500 Lithuanian infantry soldiers, 200 members of Poland’s 15th Mechanized Brigade, and U.S. and Portuguese military personnel.
The Suwalki Gap was historically viewed as a vulnerable land border, with concerns that Russia could seize it and potentially isolate Lithuania and the Baltic states from their NATO allies. However, the recent inclusion of Sweden in NATO has changed the perception of the corridor, as the Baltic Sea is now surrounded by NATO countries, reducing the risk of the Baltic countries being cut off. The Baltic Sea is crucial for Russia’s access to the city of St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad, which is separated from the Russian mainland. The Suwalki Gap also serves as a land access point between Belarus and Kaliningrad, with Russian citizens having a visa waiver arrangement to pass through the area.
The military drill was conducted in response to the potential threat in the region, with the presence of NATO forces demonstrating a commitment to collective defense against any aggression. The exercise aimed to enhance coordination and preparedness among the participating countries to effectively respond to any security challenges in the area. With tensions between Russia and NATO persisting, the Suwalki Gap remains a critical location for military activities and strategic positioning. The joint military exercise underscored the importance of vigilance and cooperation in maintaining security and stability along the border between Poland and Lithuania.
The collaboration between Poland and Lithuania in monitoring the military drill highlights the strong partnership and mutual commitment to ensuring the security of their shared border. Both countries recognize the strategic significance of the Suwalki Gap and the importance of working together with NATO allies to deter any potential aggression in the region. The presence of U.S. and Portuguese military personnel in the exercise further demonstrates the transatlantic alliance’s solidarity in defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states. The joint efforts of Poland, Lithuania, and their NATO partners in conducting military exercises contribute to a collective defense posture that sends a clear message of deterrence to any would-be aggressors.
As the Brave Griffin 24/II exercise concluded, the presidents of Poland and Lithuania reiterated the importance of maintaining vigilance and preparedness in the face of evolving security threats. The strategic location of the Suwalki Gap continues to be a focal point for military activities and defensive measures, signaling a commitment to deterring any potential aggression in the region. By showcasing their readiness and cooperation through joint military drills, Poland and Lithuania reaffirmed their dedication to safeguarding the integrity of their shared border and upholding the principles of collective defense within the NATO alliance.
