Lithuania's Foreign Minister stated that NATO is prepared to take action against Russia in Kaliningrad
On May 19, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated that NATO must be prepared to neutralize Russian military facilities in the Kaliningrad region in the event of a potential direct confrontation with Russia. According to him, this refers to scenarios in which the Alliance must be able to effectively respond to threats posed by missile systems and air defense assets stationed there.
He made these remarks in an interview with NZZ.
According to the head of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry, the Alliance possesses all the necessary capabilities to completely eliminate the Russian missile bases and air defense systems stationed there if necessary.
Budrys warned that the Baltic states are at risk of being the first to come under attack in the event of a war between Russia and NATO. For this reason, he called on European states to change their perception of the region as merely the “eastern flank,” since the experience of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has clearly demonstrated that the consequences of such a conflict would be felt instantly across the entire continent.
According to the minister, Europe needs a substantial and rapid buildup of its military capabilities. In particular, NATO must immediately strengthen air defense in the Baltics, and the European Union needs to transform itself into an influential geopolitical power, moving beyond the scope of a purely economic union.
In addition, the Lithuanian foreign minister spoke in favor of establishing the continent’s most powerful conventional army in Germany and emphasized the imperative of involving Ukraine in the future security system, calling it an integral part of European defense, whose military capabilities are critically needed by Europe.
Important:
The Inspector General of the Bundeswehr stated that Russia may be ready for a potential attack on NATO countries as early as 2029, although the risk cannot be ruled out even sooner.
The Alliance’s mission in Ukraine expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people following a large-scale missile and drone attack carried out by the occupiers.
Sweden warned Denmark of the risk of a potential provocation by Russia in the Baltic Sea. This refers to a possible seizure of one of the islands to test the reaction of NATO countries and the unity of the Alliance.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has proposed that Alliance countries allocate 0.25% of their GDP annually to aid Ukraine, sources report.
