NATO urged to bolster defense with war threat looming
- NATO has three to four years left to prepare for a major war in Europe, warned Dovile Sakaliene, head of the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense, as quoted by the public broadcaster LRT.
The Lithuanian Minister of Defense, Dovile Sakaliene, called on Europe to increase defense spending.
Sakaliene emphasized that Europe must pay back its debt for security, which the United States has covered for decades. - Europe must demonstrate that it is a reliable partner - she said. The minister highlighted the growing threat from Russia and urged NATO countries to immediately strengthen their armed forces.
The Lithuanian Minister of Defense warned that the only way to avoid war is to be fully prepared for it. - NATO has three to four years left to prepare for a major war in Europe - warned Sakaliene, as quoted by LRT.
Ukraine and NATO
Sakaliene also stressed 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 real security guarantees for Ukraine.
Lithuania's stance contrasts with recent remarks by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who stated that full membership of Ukraine in NATO is currently unrealistic. Sakaliene 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 Sakaliene during a conference, as reported by LRT. Her position underscores the need to strengthen transatlantic cooperation in the face of growing threats.
