Lithuanian, Czech PMs discuss Ukraine's NATO prospects

VILNIUS – Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte met with her Czech counterpart Petr Fiala in Prague on Tuesday to discuss regional security and the importance of Ukraine and NATO's closer partnership.

"Supporting Ukraine is an investment in the security of all of us, and I am glad that Lithuania and the Czech Republic are not shying away from speaking with one voice on this issue. It would also be self-deception to think that the Russian threat is short-lived," the Lithuanian prime minister was quoted as saying in a statement released by the government's press service.

In the context of the ongoing war, NATO's defense capabilities and effective deterrence must remain high on our agenda, Simonyte said.

"I hope that the Vilnius Summit and its decisions will already be a significant milestone in this process of strengthening our security," the Lithuanian prime minister said.

In her words, the extent and swiftness of military support to Ukraine continue to be crucial factors on the battlefield, directly impacting the speed at which peace can be attained.

The Czech prime minister tweeted that he and the Lithuanian prime minister discussed bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and mostly focused on European security issues and preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius.

The Lithuanian government statement also said that in the context of the upcoming NATO summit, the two prime ministers emphasized the significance of fostering a closer partnership between Ukraine and NATO in the context of Euro-Atlantic security architecture.

Simonyte further stressed that NATO’s defense plans and their current implementation must effectively address the enduring threat posed by Russia, as well as the geopolitical dynamics involving Belarus under Russian influence.

The Lithuanian premier said there were no more ways to strengthen international sanctions against Russia and Belarus. At the same time, a united focus on reducing the possibility of circumventing sanctions is necessary, as Russia is using loopholes in the implementation of the sanctions to finance the ongoing war in Ukraine.