Lithuanian PM puzzled by questions about various NATO scenarios

VILNIUS -It would be foolish to have only one scenario when it comes to NATO, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene says as some members of the parliament criticize her for her recent rhetoric about Lithuania's future in the NATO alliance.

"I find it very strange that someone is questioning the need to discuss various scenarios. It would be very foolish to have only one scenario. The main scenario and plan is undoubtedly plan A - a strong NATO alliance with strong strategic partners and a strong European Union, a united EU," Ruginiene said in an interview with the LNK TV channel on Monday.

"I am very pleased that after I spoke about various plans, America finally listened and decided that this is the direction we all need to follow," she emphasized.

However, the prime minister also says that the changing geopolitical situation cannot be ignored.

"And it would be very foolish to say that nothing is happening. (...) We definitely need to talk about various scenarios, and the key element here is the EU," the prime minister pointed out.

She made these remarks after Laurynas Kasciunas, leader of the opposition conservative Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats, said that the prime minister's recent rhetoric about possible scenarios was irresponsible.

Among other things, Kasciunas said he would seek to discuss this issue with opposition groups in the Seimas at a meeting of the parliamentary Committee on National Security and Defense.

His position has been echoed by the opposition Democrats "For Lithuania" and the Liberal Movement groups.

Ruginiene is also set to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz later this week to discuss geopolitical challenges, according to her.

"America, relations, Greenland, and balloons will be part of the agenda because everything is connected. Also, the Germans in Lithuania, the brigade, and, of course, economic relations," she explained.

Ruginiene will visit Germany on January 29-30.

Berlin plans to deploy a brigade in Lithuania by the end of 2027 as Lithuania and Germany have begun to cooperate more closely in the field of defense in recent years.