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Important NATO decisions for strengthening security were taken in Washington, says L. Kasčiūnas

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2024-07-15
International cooperation

The NATO Summit in Washington was not just a delightful celebration of the 75th anniversary of the most powerful military-political Alliance in the history of the world. NATO Allies focused on strengthening readiness for collective defence, implementation of the forward defence in the eastern flank, increasing assistance to Ukraine and consolidation of irreversible Ukraine's path to NATO's membership.

Russia has reoriented to war economy and continues the war of attrition in Ukraine. Moscow is increasing its hybrid and sabotage aggression against the Euro-Atlantic space while deepening cooperation with Belarus. That is reflected in the Washington Summit Declaration in the statement that Russia will remain the principal long-haul threat to the Alliance and an agreement to take measures to respond to the Russian threat and hybrid activities.

The progress made in delivering on the decisions taken at the NATO Summit in Vilnius on collective defence last year was highlighted and an agreement was reached on the necessity to accelerate development of the needed capabilities in support of the collective defence plans. The Lithuanian-German cooperation preparing for stationing the German Brigade in Lithuania was pointed out as a role-model forward defence enhancement.

Allies agreed in Washington that NATO shall pool capabilities for implementation the Rotational Air Defence Model in the eastern part of the Alliance. The Patriot long-range air defence system deployed in Lithuania on July 7-19 for a combat training cycle is a practical step towards the implementation of the Rotational Air Defence Model and the eastern flank better protected against air threats.

Allied NATO leaders agreed that more defence spending was needed to ensure collective deterrence and defence. It was stated that at least the minimum of 2% of GDP had to be dedicated for defence and congratulated the club of 23 who had exceeded the limit. At the same time, it was underscored that even a more significant financing was needed in the wake of current threats. Lithuania is showing the right way with its 3.03% of GDP in 2024 but we must not stop. Allies agreed to step up the cooperation on strengthening defence industry which had to reflect the need of speedy capability generation in support of NATO defence plans and assistance to Ukraine.

NATO Allies are increasing assistance to Ukraine. The Pledge of Long-Term Security Assistance for Ukraine is a commitment to dedicated to least EUR 40 billion for military aid next year. Only a continued assistance to Ukraine until its victory is a way to reach a sustained peace in Europe. The Alliance has agreed on NATO security assistance and training to Ukraine which will encompass force training, coordination of military assistance, enhancement of interoperability with NATO and assistance to defence sector reforms. Eventually, NATO Allies stated that Ukraine's future NATO membership is an irreversible process.