Lithuania Readies Troops for Peacekeeping Mission in Ukraine

Vilnius, Lithuania – On March 21, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda announced that Lithuania is prepared to deploy its troops for a post-ceasefire mission in Ukraine. This announcement, made during an interview with Bloomberg Television, comes amid rising European commitment to support Ukraine's defense, especially in light of uncertainties surrounding American military assistance.

President Nauseda expressed, "My country is ready to provide the necessary support." He emphasized the importance of collaboration among coalition countries, stating, "We are talking about very concrete numbers of our troops, but there should be a commitment from all countries in this coalition to provide this support."

The idea for an international peacekeeping force has gained momentum recently. As European leaders look to bolster their role in supporting Ukraine, they plan to convene next week in Paris to discuss additional measures to assist the nation. Concerns are escalating that Europe might be sidelined in any negotiations with Russia and the United States regarding the conclusion of the ongoing conflict.

Addressing the situation with Russia, Nauseda acknowledged former U.S. President Donald Trump's intentions to pursue peace in Ukraine. However, he criticized Russia, stating, "So far, Russia is imitating the negotiations, talking about a possible peace and possible ceasefire, but they are not even ready to keep the ceasefire as promised not to attack, not to strike critical infrastructure."

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Lithuania has been a steadfast ally, advocating for robust support for Ukraine. The Baltic state has made significant investments in its military, planning to allocate 2.85% of its GDP to defense in 2024, according to NATO estimates. Furthermore, Lithuania aims to increase its defense spending to between 5% and 6% from 2026 to 2030. The success of any peacekeeping mission in Ukraine will depend on effective deterrence in the region. This sentiment is echoed across Europe, as security concerns remain at the forefront. In late February, the United Kingdom announced plans to raise its defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, showcasing a unified commitment across European nations to bolster their military capabilities in support of Ukraine.

As global leaders work towards a resolution in Ukraine, Lithuania's proactive stance reflects its dedication to maintaining regional stability and security.