“The meeting was really important for the Baltic states. The U.S. is aware of the threats faced by the Baltic States and is well informed about Russia’s increasingly aggressive posture and its aim to integrate Belarus into Russian military structures. We have heard the assurance that the U.S. regards our region as strategically important for the Alliance, where deterrence and defense must be strengthened. I am confident that President Joe Biden will send a clear message about NATO’s unity and mobilization in the upcoming meeting with President Putin in response to Russia’s aggressive and unfriendly actions,” the President said.
When speaking with Joe Biden, Gitanas Nausėda stressed the vital importance of the U.S. military presence in the Baltic States. According to President Nausėda, the involvement of the United States in strengthening regional security and defense is the most important deterrent factor for Russia; therefore, the Baltic States are and will be seeking even greater involvement of the United States in ensuring security and stability in the region.
“Our aim is for the U.S. military presence in Lithuania and the Baltic States to be reinforced, as this would be the best and the most significant expression of focus on the security of our region,” the President added.
President Nausėda confirmed to President Biden Lithuania’s commitment to allocate at least 2 percent of the GDP for defense and the ambition to increase the funding up to 2.5 per cent by 2030.
