Nausėda: investments in defense are becoming more and more relevant

“Now we all clearly see that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine was determined by imperialist ambitions nurtured for centuries. Russia wants to destroy Ukraine as a sovereign state that can freely choose its political system and allies. In such circumstances, when the policy of appeasement is once again deeply discredited, the only way to stop Russian imperialism is to help Ukraine win the final victory,” the president said.

The Head of State emphasized that Lithuania, having a border with both aggressors – not only with Russia, which attacks directly, but also with Belarus, which allows its forces to use its territory and airspace, is not going to sit quietly on the sidelines.

“We actively help Ukraine by all possible means. We are also increasing investments in our own security and defense. Our country’s expenditure on national defense has already reached 2.5 percent. GDP, with the possibility of increasing them up to 3 percent. GDP”, the president told the participants of the meeting.

The head of the country emphasized that although a well-prepared and motivated public is very important for the security and defense of any state, modern means of defense are also necessary.

“Technological superiority over a potential adversary, which has always been relevant, must continue to be an essential element of any defense plan today,” the president said.

The head of the country reminded the participants of the meeting that NATO Decisions planned to be made at the Vilnius summit to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank, update regional defense plans, increase defense spending, among other things, would contribute to the growth of the defense industry. The President wished the participants of the international defense technology meeting to play a significant role at a time when Europe is looking for ways to ensure greater responsibility for its own security.

At the international event “Baltic Miltech Summit” organized by the Innovation Agency, almost 600 defense and security sector professionals and experts from 32 countries not only in Europe but also in the whole world meet this year.