"We have neither the reason nor the luxury to assume that the long-term Russian threat to Europe and to transatlantic security will fade. Our priority must be the victory of Ukraine and investment in our own defence and deterrence, vigilance on all fronts where Russia is targeting the democratic world, including through acts of hybrid aggression which must not go unanswered," said Prime Minister Šimonytė.
Ukraine's future membership in NATO must also remain one of the alliance's priorities, and bringing the country closer to membership at the next NATO summit in Washington would send an important signal to both Ukrainians and the aggressor Russia.
The meeting also discussed EU issues, Community incentives for the development of the defence industry, and the implementation and strengthening of sanctions against Russia and Belarus.
I. Šimonytė thanked Prime Minister Rutte for the participation of the Netherlands in the NATO Forward Presence in Lithuania, the Rotational Air Defence Model and the Air Policing Mission, which significantly contribute to the security of NATO's eastern flank and the Alliance as a whole.
