Government of the Republic of Lithuania

02/26/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/27/2026 03:20

In Brussels – Meetings of the Prime Minister with the President of the European Council and the NATO Secretary General

26-02-2026

In Brussels - Meetings of the Prime Minister with the President of the European Council and the NATO Secretary General

During a working visit to Brussels, Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė met with the President of the European Council, António Costa, and the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte.

In her meeting with President A. Costa, the strengthening of EU security and resilience, related initiatives, support for Ukraine, and other items on the EU agenda were discussed.

As the Prime Minister emphasised, as Russia is merely imitating a willingness to seek peace, it is necessary to increase pressure on the aggressor, including through sanctions.

"One of the key components of European security is a sustainable and just peace in Ukraine. It is therefore important to continue supporting the country attacked by Russia, helping Ukrainians defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity and strengthening their position in the pursuit of peace. European unity, cohesion and support for Ukraine are more important than ever. We must speak with one voice and act together," said I. Ruginienė.

Support for Ukraine's and Moldova's membership of the EU, as well as the Union's competitiveness, were also discussed.

During the meeting with NATO Secretary General M. Rutte, the need to strengthen the Alliance's defence and deterrence capabilities and to increase resilience to hybrid threats was highlighted.

"Lithuania is significantly increasing its investment in security and defence. It is crucial that all Allies move in the same direction, as Russia is and will remain a long-term threat to the entire NATO Alliance. Russia is deterred not by words, but by real defensive capability and resolve," the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister I. Ruginienė thanked M. Rutte for NATO's engagement in addressing hybrid threats. This month, a NATO Counter Hybrid Support Team visited Lithuania and met with representatives of Lithuanian institutions to discuss the current situation and response measures, and will provide expert recommendations.

The extent to which Russia and Belarus are inclined to test NATO will depend on the Alliance's ability to deter and respond effectively to their hybrid actions, the Prime Minister said. Joint efforts are required to work actively on practical and technical solutions to eliminate vulnerabilities on NATO's eastern flank, particularly in the Alliance's airspace.

NATO initiatives such as "Baltic Sentry" and "Eastern Sentry" are examples of solidarity and effective co-operation, I. Ruginienė emphasised in her discussion with M. Rutte. They strengthen vigilance in the region and contribute to overall security - and these efforts must continue.

The importance of transatlantic unity was also underlined. The United States remains an indispensable Ally, and a strong, united transatlantic Alliance of equal partners is the foundation for effective deterrence and defence.

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