Lithuania supports tougher sanctions against Belarus and Russia. This was stated by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda during his annual address to the Seimas.
“Our country also has no intention of becoming complacent when national security interests are directly affected. While firmly condemning Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as hybrid attacks against Lithuania originating from Belarusian territory, we strongly support international sanctions against these countries and advocate for their tightening,” he said.
Nausėda described security as the country’s top priority. According to him, “hostile forces are testing our vigilance and resilience.”
“We live in a time when direct military threats are becoming increasingly real and are already beginning to disrupt the peaceful lives of the Lithuanian people. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg, beneath which even greater challenges are hidden. They often lurk where we do not even suspect and do not look.
The hybrid war against Lithuania has been ongoing for many years, even decades. Significant resources are constantly being devoted to it. No concessions or good intentions will change that.
Because they hate us for daring to be free and independent. They hate us because we love our freedom and make dignified use of its benefits. They hate us because we create our own prosperity, something that no autocratic regime, without exception, is capable of doing.
We see illegal migration directed against Lithuania. We see smugglers’ balloons. We see acts of terror and sabotage. Every day, we see enormous amounts of anger, resentment, propaganda and disinformation spread across social media by faceless, soulless fake accounts,” the Lithuanian president said.
Nausėda said he believes in Article 5 of the NATO treaty and in the determination of allies to contribute to Lithuania’s defence. He noted that Lithuania itself is increasing defence spending. The president also expressed hope regarding the German brigade that is scheduled to be deployed in the country next year.
