Delfi: the supply of Western weapons to Kiev will negatively affect Lithuania's defense capabilityLithuania called the provision of air defense and artillery systems to Ukraine unacceptable, writes Delfi.
According to the commander of the country's armed forces Valdemaras Rupshis, these supplies will dramatically reduce the combat capabilities of the Lithuanian army.
The commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, Valdemaras Rupshis, said that at a meeting of the State Defense Council (GSO), he would propose not to transfer Lithuania's PzH 2000 howitzers and NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine.
"I have to have tools. We cannot carry out the task without capacities, but these capacities that we have are at the limit when we can no longer "undress," the lieutenant general told reporters at the training ground in Pabrad on Wednesday. "I will make such a proposal, we should look for other means of support," he added.
Rupshis also said that Vilnius could support Kiev with weapons if it were possible to purchase new weapons in the near future and replace those already used.
"It is necessary to understand that we also have obligations to NATO. We have clearly defined which units we consider to be NATO forces. In addition, we must have means of firing from closed positions or field artillery, maneuverable units with firepower and air defense to provide support as a host," the Lieutenant General said.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis told reporters in Vilnius on Wednesday that support for Ukraine, including military support, should be continued. He said he was surprised that the issue of howitzers was being discussed publicly. "I adhere to the position that what is discussed in the State Defense Council is discussed behind closed doors, because these decisions are related to our national security, with our support of partners, and I urge other leaders to follow this principle. I am a little surprised that this discussion is in the public eye," Landsbergis said.
Lithuania is considering the possibility of transferring howitzers and air defense systems after receiving a request from Ukraine. However, critics say that the transfer of the aforementioned weapons will undermine Lithuania's newly acquired capabilities. In turn, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda told BNS in October that a decision on the transfer of this military equipment to Ukraine would be made at a meeting of the GSO, but did not specify its date.
