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The President met with Supreme Allied Commander Europe

President of the Republic of Lithuania

September 11, 2025

On Thursday, President Gitanas Nausėda met with Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Alexus G. Grynkewich.

The meeting focused on security issues concerning Lithuania and NATO's entire eastern flank, the presence of U.S. troops in Lithuania, defense investments, strengthening air defense, military assistance to Ukraine, and preparations for the upcoming Zapad 2025 exercises. The President underlined that Lithuania is a reliable ally, making significant investments in its defense and working to enhance security across the region.

"We are a responsible ally - starting in 2026 we will allocate 5.25 percent of GDP to defense. This will allow us not only to modernize our armaments and infrastructure but also to achieve full national division capability by 2030," the President said.

Gitanas Nausėda emphasized that the continuous presence of U.S. troops in Lithuania is a key factor in ensuring deterrence and stability in the region. He thanked the United States for its consistent support for the security of the Baltic States.

Air defense issues also received significant attention. The President reminded that Lithuania has already taken national measures to strengthen short-range air defense and to develop mobile counter-drone units but stressed that NATO's contribution remains essential.

"Lithuania condemns Russia's violations of NATO airspace. The latest incident in Poland undesrcares the need to strengthen air defense across the region. The rotational air defense model must be implemented as agreed at the Vilnius Summit. It should become a consistently functioning NATO mechanism, similar to the Baltic Air Policing mission," he said.

The President and the Supreme Allied Commander Europe also discussed military assistance to Ukraine and the planning of security guarantees. Gitanas Nausėda stressed the need to accelerate the delivery of military support to Ukraine, while at the same time ensuring that this does not undermine the security of NATO's eastern flank.

The President's Communication Group