Lithuania-Poland unity in face of war is strength for whole region – Nauseda

  • 2022-10-14
  • BNS/TBT Staff

VILNIUS – The unity of Lithuania and Poland in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine is a great strength and their coordinated approach is a significant factor in the region's security, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said on Friday. 

Nauseda said in a press release after his phone call with Polish President Andrzej Duda that a consistent increase in defense spending by Lithuania and Poland "will have a positive impact on the region's defense capabilities".

This also sends a strong message to allies that the two countries are serious about security and defense, according to the Lithuanian president.

"The united voice of Lithuania and Poland in the context of Russia's war in Ukraine is our great strength," he said. 

"Together, we can both significantly improve the region's defense capabilities and more effectively help Ukraine in countering Russia's military aggression."

The Lithuanian and Polish leaders discussed the need to mobilize Western support for Ukraine and to tighten sanctions against Russia and Belarus.  

As Belarus is getting increasingly involved in Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, it has to be considered a full-fledged participant in the conflict, meaning that the existing sanctions against Minsk have to be expanded and its responsibility has to be discussed, according to Nauseda.