Lithuanian foreign minister: Russia offers three scenarios – war, threat or occupation
www.pravda.com.ua
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:35:05 +0300
During his visit to Kyiv, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kstutis Budrys has called for deterring Russia to avoid war with the Russian Federation or the potential occupation of the Baltic states.
Source Budrys at a press conference on Tuesday 1 April with Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, as reported by European Pravda Details When asked how Lithuania assesses the threat of a Russian attack or destabilisation attempt against it and how realistic such a scenario might be for the Baltic countries, Budrys said that NATO intelligence services had reached a consensus that Russia represents a longterm direct military threat to the Alliance.
He said this assessment was wellfounded, citing Russian plans and military capabilities that are being developed and deployed in close proximity to NATO borders.
He added that Russia had invested in these capabilities over decades and was clearly preparing for a longterm confrontation with NATO.
Budrys stated that Russia uses military force to achieve its political goals.
He explained that those political objectives were clear and that Putin had expressed them repeatedly including his desire to see the US removed from Europe and to dominate the continent.
Budrys said Putin did not want to see Lithuania thrive as a country.
The minister stressed that the Russian threat is real and longterm, and therefore deterrence is necessary, as Russia will remain a neighbour in the future.
He stated that there were three possible scenarios in relations with Russia war, threat or occupation.
To avoid the latter, it was essential to be in a position of deterrence otherwise, one would find oneself in a state of war.
Budrys added that Lithuania viewed longterm support for Ukraine and its NATO membership as part of this deterrence strategy.
He also remarked that he had no illusions about the Russian regime or its intentions, regardless of what narratives it might offer about cooperation.
He said Russia was not interested in partnership it wanted territory and aimed to subjugate its neighbours.
Budrys concluded that this was the reality Lithuania faced, and Ukrainians understood it better than anyone.
Background Media outlets have previously reported growing concern in the Baltic states over the possibility of a ceasefire in Ukraine.
A recent assessment by Germanys Federal Intelligence Service BND and the Bundeswehr concluded that Russia views itself as being in a systemic conflict with the West and is preparing for a major war with NATO.
Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon
Latest news
more news