Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis has urged the country to prepare for a scenario where Russia continues its fight against NATO countries, underlining the need for immediate strategic decisions to bolster its security. Landsbergis emphasised that the Ukrainian struggle is a struggle for Lithuania, and that the country is geographically closest to the war and has historically experienced occupation by the same forces. He warned against succumbing to apathy and urged consideration of strategic defence changes, as well as the stalling tax reform.
Landsbergis acknowledged that Lithuania had made headway in tactical steps by increasing defence spending, but emphasised that these expenses reflected the situation of a year ago. He warned against succumbing to apathy and urged Lithuania to consider strategic defence changes and the stalling tax reform as linked to national security. Landsbergis also warned against succumbing to apathy and the potential impact of diminishing Western support on Lithuania’s security.
Russia, which started the war in Ukraine with 200,000 troops, now has „at least twice as many” and its military reform is under way, aimed „against NATO, against us.” Ukraine has consistently demanded greater military aid from its Western allies, but its forces have made only marginal gains in their counter-offensive against entrenched Russian forces. On Sunday, the Ukrainian army announced that it had pushed the Russians back 3-8 kilometres from the banks of the Dnipro River, marking the first significant advance by Ukrainian forces in several months.
Lithuania views Russia as a threat to its national security due to historical concerns, geopolitical factors, and Russia’s actions in the region. Historical Soviet occupation during the Cold War era created deep-seated mistrust. Russia’s annexation of Crimea and aggression in Ukraine heightened fears of similar actions in the Baltic states. Geopolitically, Lithuania’s NATO and EU membership aligns it with Western democratic values, contrasting with Russia’s assertive policies. Military buildups, cyber threats, and disinformation campaigns further contribute to Lithuania’s perception of Russia as a significant security threat.
