Lithuanian defense chief warns: Europe must pay its fair share for protection
Lithuanian Defence Minister points out unfair US defense spending burden and calls for European action. She highlights need for stronger military industries while warning about Russiaʼs expanding military plans
In a hard-hitting discussion at Reuters NEXT conference Dovile Sakaliene‚ Lithuaniaʼs Defence Minister made clear that Europe isnt pulling its weight in defense spending. The US shoulders too much of the burden which needs to change fast
Speaking via video-link from Vilnius‚ Sakaliene praised potential Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth (who faces Senate approval): his tough approach matches what Europe needs right now. She didnt shy away from addressing Western shortcomings — particularly in supplying Ukraine with basic military needs
Lithuania plans to keep its defense budget at 3.5% GDP next year; which might go up to 5% in the future. Sakaliene pointed out disturbing changes in Russiaʼs economic structure: theyʼre switching to a war-economy that suggests bigger plans than just Ukraine
My only worry is that freezing the war in Ukraine will let Russians prepare for their next steps of imperial expansion
The minister laid out her view of US priorities in a no-nonsense way:
- Americas own interests come first
- Taiwan follows second
- Israel ranks third
- Europe sits below these three
Sakaliene stressed that Europe must boost its defense industry — both to protect itself and stay relevant as an ally. She noted that her country (which sits next to Russia and Belarus) faces more risks than it did 10 years back
