• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Budrys met with the Latvian Foreign Minister: We stand on the first line of defence of the EU and NATO

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Updated 2025-10-17

On 16 October, Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys met with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, who was on a working visit to Vilnius. They discussed regional security and defense, support for Ukraine, and sanctions against Russia.

Lithuania's Foreign Minister emphasized that as the Kremlin's regime continuing continues its aggression against Ukraine and facing hybrid attacks from Russia and Belarus persist, the state borders of Lithuania and Latvia are not only a geopolitical boundary but also the first line of defense for the EU and NATO.

"We are not only the closest brotherly nations, united by related languages, history, the fight for freedom, common values, but also by our common ambition to keep our region safe. It is here, at the eastern borders of the European Union and NATO, that our responsibility for our own security and that of the whole of Europe begins, as well as for the collective defence of the Alliance," Budrys said.

According to the Minister, Lithuania and Latvia are working together to strengthen transatlantic ties, deter Russia, mobilize the necessary defensive capabilities on the Eastern Flank, and contribute to collective defense and support Ukraine in every possible way.

The ministers discussed the implementation of regional defence initiatives, pressing issues of air defence, and counter-drone measures. They also spoke about increasing political pressure on Russia, sanctions, the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, and the fight against the shadow fleet.

When speaking about support for Ukraine, Budrys stressed that the EU and NATO membership are the strongest security guarantees for this country fighting for its freedom. According to him, Ukraine is successfully implementing reforms within the country and is making significant progress towards EU membership; therefore, it is essential to find ways that would allow Ukraine to become a member of the EU by 2030.
Lithuania's Foreign Minister once again congratulated Latvia on becoming a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2026-2027. According to Budrys, this is a great opportunity to better represent the interests of the Baltic Sea region in the international arena and to keep support for Ukraine on the UN agenda.