Inga Ruginienė, Lithuania’s prime minister, said Wednesday that there are currently no doubts about NATO’s unity and that the country must continue to trust the alliance.
“We must trust the NATO alliance and clearly send the message that NATO is strong,” Ruginienė told reporters at the government office.
Her comments came after Donald Trump suggested that the United States is seriously considering leaving NATO following the alliance’s refusal to join his proposed war against Iran. In an interview with the British newspaper Daily Telegraph, Trump called NATO a “paper tiger” and criticised the United Kingdom, claiming it “does not even have a navy”.
Ruginienė argued that although the US president has repeatedly expressed doubts about NATO, these statements have prompted Europe to strengthen its own security.
“I think this is a very positive effect, finally pressing the wake-up button for Europe to see the real situation. Essentially, we should be grateful to President Trump for this effect,” she said.
The Lithuanian prime minister noted that regional security depends on NATO’s unity and its readiness to defend the Baltic states.
“As of today, there are no doubts [about regional defence], but I also hear warnings from Americans and the president that we Europeans must contribute as well and demonstrate that we are investing in our defence capabilities and security,” Ruginienė said.
She added that Lithuania is actively showing its commitment not only through record budgetary defence funding but also through concrete actions and decisions. “I very much hope that this call to action is heard and that all countries understand that defence in Europe is a top priority in every nation,” Ruginienė said.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda also expressed full confidence in NATO and its unity.
“We fully trust NATO as the cornerstone of Lithuania’s security, the unity of the alliance, collective defence, and the commitments of all allies,” Nausėda said Wedensday.
“The US military presence in the country is the strongest deterrent against the Russian threat and a fundamental pillar of our security. As I mentioned in my letter to President Trump, Lithuania is determined to continue contributing to NATO’s collective security and to develop positive bilateral relations with the US,” he added.
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