Addressing allied leaders, Gitanas Nausėda stressed that the ongoing war in Europe and Russia’s plans for further confrontation with NATO makes it necessary to strengthen the Alliance’s forward defense and deterrence more quickly and efficiently. According to the President, time is not on the side of the allies, so we need to act faster.
“Russia is in full war economy mode. The aggressor is receiving significant outside support from Iran, North Korea and China. Russia aims to confront NATO – this will not change unless our decisive actions change the situation,” the President said.
He stressed that it is crucial to immediately begin implementing last year’s Vilnius Summit decisions on strengthening collective defense. According to Gitanas Nausėda, it is essential to ensure that NATO’s defense plans do not contain any critical vulnerabilities and that the necessary capabilities are adequately provided for, especially on the front line of NATO’s eastern flank.
The President noted the successful cooperation between Lithuania and Germany in preparing for the deployment of a German brigade in our country. According to the President, this is a flagship project of forward defense and proof of European leadership in collective defense.
Gitanas Nausėda also emphasized the importance of implementing the rotational air defense model. He thanked the Netherlands for the Patriot system deployed in Lithuania and called on the Allies to participate more actively in this initiative.
“Adequate funding is needed to strengthen our collective defense. The club of NATO countries that spend more than 2% of GDP on defense is growing, but this figure is no longer sufficient. We must raise the bar. Lithuania will reach 3.03% already this year and is aiming for more,” the President said.
The President also reminded the Allies that Russia’s unconventional operations on the territory of NATO countries are becoming more frequent.
“It is no longer about playing with the minds of our societies by manipulating information. We are now talking about the physical destruction of property and infrastructure and violence against regime opponents abroad. It is only a matter of time before these attacks claim the lives of NATO citizens,” the President said.
According to Gitanas Nausėda, Russia’s actions require a joint and coordinated NATO response and an algorithm for responding to various kinetic attacks.
Referring to the situation in Ukraine, the President emphasized that only Ukraine's victory can return peace and stability to Europe.
“Allied agreement on long-term military support for Ukraine is essential. Our assistance must be effective and timely. We must also make clear that Ukraine’s future in the Alliance is irreversible. Russia must understand the irreversibility of these words,” the President said.
The NATO Summit in Washington marks the 75th anniversary of the Alliance and is the first to be attended by Sweden as a full member.
