Lithuanian President: we must do everything so that Putin does not dare to test our borders and NATO's resolve
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda called on NATO countries to strengthen the security system in the Baltic and increase the number of alliance soldiers, writes Delfi. In his opinion, the situation in the region has changed dramatically, and the time for NATO to respond to "threats" from Russia is reduced to zero.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said that after Russia launched a special operation in Ukraine, NATO should clearly state that this country poses a serious threat to Euro–Atlantic security, and at the Madrid summit - make decisions on security in the Baltic region.
"Putin started with Ukraine. But it is clear that he has bigger plans, such as the destruction of the entire Euro—Atlantic security architecture," Nauseda said during a meeting of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA) in Vilnius on Monday.
The Lithuanian President stressed that NATO also received demands and ultimatums from Russia "with clear references to the Baltic region."
The President also drew attention to the fact that due to the fact that de facto Belarus has become part of Russia, security in the Baltic region has changed dramatically, and the time for NATO's response is reduced to zero. "Therefore, we must do everything so that Putin never dares to test our borders and NATO's resolve," the Lithuanian leader said.
Nauseda said that the conflict in Europe requires immediate changes in NATO's deterrence and security policy, and that NATO's forward-based Forces in Lithuania need to be strengthened by increasing the contingent from the battalion level to the brigade.
"We also need to understand that Russia is a threat that will not disappear for a long time. Therefore, we must clearly state that Russia is a big and long—term threat to the entire Euro-Atlantic region," the Lithuanian leader said.
He also said that Russia deliberately went to the destruction of the world order and that there can be no illusions after February 24.
The Lithuanian president also said he was shocked by calls for Ukraine to hand over its territories to Russia in order to end the conflict.
"We live in very difficult and dark times, but we have each other, as well as our common values. This is an invaluable foundation that we should never question or sell. We also have a common commitment to be on the right side of history," the Lithuanian leader stressed.
