According to the head of the Pentagon, the United States could send more American troops if necessary to strengthen the defense of the region against any possible threats from Russia.At a press conference held with Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks, L. Austin said that according to plans to constantly rotate soldiers to the Baltic States, soldiers from US brigades in Romania and other parts of Europe will probably be sent, but "we can also send soldiers from the United States".L. Austin is the first US defense secretary to visit Latvia in almost three decades.His visit emphasizes the growing importance of the Baltic states on Russia's side.After Russia attacks Ukraine, these countries worry that they may become the next victims of Moscow's aggression.The Pentagon indicated that the last time the US Secretary of Defense visited Latvia was in 1995 - it was William Perry.A. Pabrikas told reporters that his top priorities are to get more US military trainers and consultants.According to him, Latvian soldiers need daily "serious training" to defend their country, and Latvia needs additional US financial support to buy new military equipment and strengthen air and coastal defenses.During the two-day meetings, L. Austin repeatedly reiterated that America is committed to helping the region defend itself.On Tuesday, he met with US troops, including members of the Security Forces Assistance Brigade (SFAB), which trains allied forces.He said on Wednesday that he foresees further SFAB work in the Baltic countries.Austin's visit comes as Russia's war in Ukraine enters its sixth month, with Moscow's forces continuing to make slow progress but also facing increasing counterattacks by Ukrainian forces in Russian-occupied parts of southern Ukraine.Ukraine is also trying to contain Kremlin forces in the eastern Donbass region.The situation in Ukraine could escalate after Tuesday's powerful explosions at a Russian air force base in the annexed Crimea.Russia's Defense Ministry denied that the Saki base on the Black Sea had been shelled and claimed that aerial explosives had exploded there.However, there is intense speculation on Ukrainian social networks that the base could have been hit by long-range missiles launched by Ukrainians.On Wednesday, during meetings with Latvian leaders, including President Egils Levitus, L. Austin promised America's firm commitment to support the Baltic region in the face of any Russian aggression."We will strengthen our rotational deployment in the region and train more intensively with our allies in the Baltic [countries] to send an even clearer message that we are ready to fight in this region," L. Austin said at the start of his meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Artur Krišjani Karini on Wednesday morning.At the press conference, A. Pabrikas acknowledged the concern about the threat from neighboring Belarus, Russia's ally.He said that he does not consider Belarus an independent state - in his opinion, it is only a part of Russia.According to the minister, Latvia is constantly concerned about the threat at this border and closely monitors it.In order to reassure NATO allies, strengthen training, intensify exercises and direct attention to the Eastern wing of the Alliance, America deployed an additional 20,000 troops in Europe.they still have about 100 thousand of their soldiers here.About 500 of these troops are stationed in Latvia, where until December the US contingent consisted of 100 troops.In March, shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, NATO began to consider how best to strengthen the defenses of its eastern flank in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and as far as Bulgaria and Romania on the Black Sea."On land, our new strategy should include a significantly larger force on the Alliance's eastern flank - high readiness, with more pre-deployed equipment and supplies," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at the time."In the Air: More Allied Warplanes and Stronger Integrated Air and Missile Defenses."At sea: aircraft carrier strike groups, submarines and many warships permanently deployed," said the NATO leader.L. Austin first visited the Lielvardė air force base, where he and A. Pabriks met with American and Latvian soldiers.Standing in one hangar in front of the Black Hawk helicopter, A.Pabrik directly told L.Austin and the soldiers that "if something happens at the border, we are ready to die."L. Austin assured A. Pabrikas and the soldiers that "if something happens and... doubts or challenges are raised regarding Latvia's sovereign territory, we will be here and work with our partners."NATO began deploying troops on its eastern flank only after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.Until the end of last year, only approximately 5 thousand were deployed in the Baltic States and Poland on a rotational basis.Alliance soldiers.NATO now says hundreds of thousands of troops, including 100,000, are on heightened alert.American soldiers stationed in Europe and 40 thousandtroops directly subordinate to NATO with approximately 150 ships and a similar number of aircraft.Latvia is also currently taking steps to strengthen its defenses.Riga plans to return universal military service to men after a break of more than 15 years, while women will be able to serve voluntarily.Calling could start as early as next year.First month - only 0.99 EUR, then - 4.99 EUR/month.*Additional operator service fee is included when paying by phone.Meanwhile, paying by bank card will not cost you anything extra.The indicated prices are valid only for natural persons.Subscription offers for companies and organizations - prenumerata@15min.lt.