Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps the Government is taking to promote the de-escalation of Russian military presence on the border with the Baltic States.

The UK is working closely with our Allies and partners to make clear our support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that we will not accept Russia's campaign to subvert its democratic neighbours. The Foreign Secretary spoke with her G7 Foreign Ministers on 22 February. G7 leaders spoke on 24 February, and agreed a strong package of coordinated sanctions in response to Russia's actions. The Prime Minister also met NATO leaders on 25 February.

The UK is also working with NATO Allies to take proportionate measures to strengthen our ability to deter aggression and defend Alliance territory. This includes deploying additional land forces in the eastern part of the Alliance, as well as additional maritime and air assets. NATO has also increased the readiness of its forces to respond to all contingencies. These measures are and remain preventative, proportionate and non-escalatory. NATO is a defensive alliance and poses no threat to any state.