Press statements

President Nausėda, dear Gitanas, 

Thank you so much for that warm welcome.
And for awarding me the Order of the Cross of Vytis. 
This is really a great honour.   

And many thanks to you, the government, and the people of Lithuania for hosting the NATO Summit here in Vilnius next month. 

When Allied leaders meet in two weeks, we will take decisions to address the most challenging security environment in decades.

And we just had a productive meeting to discuss the final preparations for the Summit. 

At the same time, we are monitoring the situation in Russia.
The events over the weekend are an internal Russian matter.
And yet another demonstration of the big strategic mistake that President Putin made with his illegal annexation of Crimea and the war against Ukraine.  

As Russia continues its assault, it is even more important to continue our support to Ukraine.   

Ukrainians have launched a counter-offensive to retake occupied land.

And the more land they are able to liberate, 
the stronger their hand will eventually be at the negotiating table.
To achieve a just and lasting peace.

I commend Lithuania for providing vital military equipment and training for Ukraine.

At the Vilnius Summit, we will agree a multi-year package of assistance. 
And we will upgrade our political ties. 
The decisions we will take will bring Ukraine closer to our Alliance. 

Because Ukraine’s rightful place is in NATO. 

All Allies agree that NATO’s door remains open. 
That Ukraine will become a member.
And that it is for Allies and Ukraine to decide.
Russia does not have a veto.

And once the war ends, we must put arrangements in place for Ukraine’s security.
So that history does not repeat itself. 

We are also monitoring the situation in Belarus. 

We condemn Russia’s announcement about deploying nuclear weapons.
This is reckless and irresponsible.

We don’t see any indication that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons.
But NATO remains vigilant. 

If Russia thinks it can intimidate us from supporting Ukraine, it will fail. 
We stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.  

Our deterrence is strong.
To keep our people safe in a more dangerous world.
At the Summit, we will take further steps, with new regional plans.
And the forces, exercises and capabilities assigned to these plans.

Over 300,000 troops on higher readiness.
Backed by substantial air and maritime capabilities.

We have also agreed a new rotational model for air and missile defence. 
To allow for swift transition from air policing to air defence. 

The accession of Finland – and soon Sweden – to NATO significantly enhances the security in the Baltic Sea region.

And today, we will attend together exercise “Griffin Storm”, which will test reinforcing the German-led NATO battlegroup up to brigade size.
Sending a clear message: NATO is ready to defend every inch of Allied territory. 

We must continue to invest in our security. 
At the Summit, we will agree on a more ambitious defence investment pledge. 
With 2 percent of GDP as a floor, not a ceiling. 

Lithuania is already leading by example, committing 2.5 percent of GDP to defence.

So President,

Thank you again for Lithuania’s many contributions to NATO. 

I look forward to a successful Summit in Vilnius.