VILNIUS, Lithuania — Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has expressed strong support for the defense spending goals set by former U.S. President Donald Trump for NATO member states, particularly emphasizing the need for greater financial commitments in the face of ongoing security concerns from Russia.
In an interview, Nausėda outlined his belief that any negotiated settlement in Ukraine must include full participation from Kyiv, warning that a peace agreement without adequate deterrents would enable Russia to regroup and potentially launch further military actions. Nausėda specifically noted that the geographical position of Lithuania, which borders Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and the Belarusian border, made the country particularly vulnerable to future Russian aggression even after the conclusion of the war in Ukraine.
“Even if we reach a ceasefire, Russia’s ambitions will not subside,” said Nausėda. “They will use any temporary peace to rebuild their military capacity and strike again.”
As tensions continue between NATO and Russia, Lithuania stands as a key player in advocating for increased defense spending. Recently, Lithuania became the first NATO member to commit to increasing defense spending to at least 5% of its national GDP, in alignment with Trump’s demands during his presidency. The move has been hailed by those in the country who view the increased defense budget as a necessary step to bolster national security amid mounting threats from the East.
While some countries, particularly in Western Europe, have criticized the 5% defense spending target as economically burdensome, Lithuania and other nations on NATO’s eastern front have called it an essential safeguard against future Russian aggression.
In addition to defense spending, Nausėda emphasized that Ukraine’s full involvement in any peace negotiations is non-negotiable, warning against any potential bilateral settlement between Moscow and Washington that could leave Kyiv’s interests sidelined. He stated, “Ukraine has paid a very high price in this war. The Ukrainian people deserve the right to set the conditions for peace.”
Another concern for Lithuania is the growing vulnerability of its critical undersea infrastructure, including cables and gas pipelines. Over the past months, multiple undersea cables have been damaged, raising fears that such incidents may be deliberate, potentially a precursor to further Russian destabilization efforts in the Baltic region. NATO has launched a new mission, “Baltic Sentry,” to safeguard this vital infrastructure. However, Nausėda called for greater responsibility from NATO and the European Union to invest in maritime security to prevent future sabotage.
The president of Lithuania concluded by reinforcing that the country’s commitment to defense spending is not simply about national security but about showing that Lithuania is capable of defending itself against potential threats, reinforcing its position as a crucial member of NATO’s eastern flank.
This latest development underscores the growing concern in the Baltic region about Russia’s intentions and the ongoing need for NATO to strengthen its deterrence measures.
