Ruginiene says no doubt over NATO unity after Trump remarks

VILNIUS - Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said on Wednesday there was no doubt about NATO unity and that the country must trust the alliance.

"We must trust the NATO alliance and clearly spread the message that the NATO alliance is strong," Ruginiene told reporters.

Her remarks follow statements by US President Donald Trump, who suggested the United States is seriously considering leaving NATO after the alliance failed to join his conflict against Iran.

In an interview with the British daily Daily Telegraph, Trump called NATO a "paper tiger" and claimed the UK "does not even have a navy."

Ruginiene said that while the US president has repeatedly expressed doubts about NATO, this has encouraged Europe to strengthen its own security.

"I believe this is a very positive effect, finally pressing that wake-up button so that Europe wakes up and sees the real situation. In essence, we should be grateful to President Trump for this effect," she added.

Ruginiene said regional security depends on the extent to which the NATO alliance remains united and prepared to defend the Baltic region.

"As of today, there are no doubts (regarding regional defence), but I also hear the warnings from the Americans and the president that we Europeans must also contribute and demonstrate that we are investing in our own defence capabilities and security," she explained.

"Lithuania is clearly demonstrating this, not only by contributing financially with record defence funding but also by making real decisions and actions. I very much hope that the wake-up call has been heard and that all countries will similarly understand that defence in Europe is a top priority for every nation," Ruginiene said.

Discussions about NATO unity previously surfaced after the US president made claims toward Denmark concerning its autonomous territory, Greenland.

In a January interview with the news portal Delfi, the prime minister said that in the event of a NATO collapse, her government would have not only plan A, but also plans B and C to ensure national security.

However, the prime minister now says it is time to stop discussing these contingency plans, as the Greenland issue has "faded into oblivion."

"Yes, we live in a context of changing geopolitics. Political events are very dynamic and what (...) we have planned today, what strategic plans and algorithms we have set, could change drastically tomorrow, requiring us to start making certain changes anew," the head of government said.

"The government must (...) be able to adapt in the right place and at the right time and remain flexible. We cannot work according to strategic plans approved 20 years ago; we must be able to adapt those plans to today's realities," Ruginiene added.

According to her, Lithuania's security strategy and plans are soon to be presented to the Seimas Committee on National Security and Defence.

"This will be in a closed session, as we must understand that certain matters cannot be discussed publicly due to vigilant opponents or enemies across the border," she said.