Lithuania 'grows stronger like a diamond', president tells nation on independence day

VILNIUS – The Lithuanian state is growing stronger in the face of geopolitical challenges, President Gitanas Nauseda said as the nation marked the State Restoration Day on Sunday. 

"Harsh conditions strengthen us. Without pause, the Lithuanian state grows stronger – like a diamond. As we foster unity, we invest ever more in our security. We remain vigilant, we persevere. And we are winning," Nauseda said in his speech at a ceremony for raising the flags of the three Baltic states in Simonas Daukantas Square outside the Presidential Palace in Vilnius.

"Just a few days ago, we celebrated our energy independence. Together with Latvia and Estonia, we permanently disconnected from the electricity system controlled by Moscow," the president noted.

"Today, all roads are open to us. Let us move forward with courage. Let us pass on our love for our homeland to our children and grandchildren. Let us live and work for the sake of Lithuania," he added.

This was the third February 16 since Russia launched its full-scale war in Ukraine.

As Russia's invasion continues, Washington has shown interest in negotiating with Moscow for an end to the war, but the European Union and Ukraine fear that the terms of peace will favor the Kremlin, which continues to strengthen its war machine.

In this geopolitical context, the president-chaired State Defense Council agreed in January to aim to increase Lithuania's defense spending to 5-6 percent of GDP annually by 2030.

"Geography does not change. Nor does the pressure we feel at our state borders. Every day, we witness Ukraine being ravaged and torn apart by a brutal invader. We support the defenders of freedom as much as we can," Nauseda said in his speech. 

On February 16, 1918, the Council of Lithuania proclaimed the restoration of an independent state of Lithuania, founded on democratic principles, with Vilnius as its capital.

The independent state lasted until June 1940, when it was occupied by Soviet Russia.