Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys, in an interview with the Neue Zürcher Zeitung published on May 18, commented on the likelihood of an attack by the aggressor country Russia on NATO member countries and a possible response to the Russians from the Alliance.
Budrys noted that he is confident in NATO's commitment to collective defense, but despite this, Europe must strengthen its defense capabilities, in particular regarding nuclear deterrence.
The head of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry called the idea that a likely conflict with the Russian Federation would affect only its closest neighbors “a dangerous mistake” and “part of Russian propaganda.” He also warned of the collapse of the entire EU, economy and public order if the front lines were breached and stressed the need to “finally honestly assess the cost of lack of deterrence.”
In particular, according to Budris, Russia should worry about its exclave in Europe – the Kaliningrad region.
He believes the Europeans must show the Russians that they can penetrate their “little fortress” they have built in Kaliningrad. NATO has the means to “raze” Russian air defense and missile bases if necessary, the diplomat emphasized.
Budrys also added that Ukraine “is an integral part of European security.”
