Europe urged to bolster defences amid looming Russian threat
- NATO has three to four years remaining to prepare for a major war in Europe, warned Dovile Šakaliene, head of the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence, as quoted by the public broadcaster LRT.
The Lithuanian Minister of Defence, Dovile Šakaliene, urged Europe to increase defence spending.
Šakaliene emphasised that Europe must settle its security debt, which the United States has been covering for decades. - Europe must demonstrate that it is a reliable partner - she stated. The minister highlighted the growing threat from Russia and called on NATO countries to immediately strengthen their armed forces.
The Lithuanian Minister of Defence warned that the only way to avoid war is to be fully prepared for it. - NATO has three to four years remaining to prepare for a major war in Europe - warned Šakaliene, as quoted by LRT.
Ukraine and NATO
Šakaliene also emphasised that Europe must speak with one voice regarding Ukraine's membership in the European Union and NATO. According to her, the direct involvement of Europe and Ukraine in peace negotiations is necessary, and achieving lasting peace requires genuine security guarantees for Ukraine.
Lithuania's stance contrasts with recent remarks by U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, who stated that full membership of Ukraine in NATO is currently unrealistic. Šakaliene firmly opposed speculation about the weakening or disintegration of NATO.
There is no question of the Alliance disintegrating. Europe and the USA have no other option than to jointly oppose the axis of evil led by Russia and China - said Šakaliene during a conference, as reported by LRT. Her position underscores the need to strengthen transatlantic cooperation in the face of growing threats.
