Lithuania’s Defence Minister, Dovile Sakaliene, has called for greater European contributions to defense spending, labeling the current reliance on the United States as inequitable. Speaking at the Reuters NEXT conference in New York on Wednesday, Sakaliene stressed the urgent need for Europe to strengthen its defense industries to counter threats from Russia and China.
Europe’s Role in Defense Under Scrutiny
“Europe must pull its weight,” Sakaliene stated, emphasizing that the disproportionate share of defense spending borne by the United States was unfair. Her remarks echoed long-standing calls from Washington for European nations to increase their defense investments, an issue that gained traction during the Trump administration.
Sakaliene expressed admiration for the assertive stance of Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary. However, Hegseth’s nomination has been met with controversy, including allegations of misconduct and sexual assault, which he denies. Despite these challenges, Sakaliene praised his tough approach to defense policy, describing some of his ideas as “very compelling.”
Defense Spending and Strategic Concerns
Lithuania, which shares borders with Russia and its ally Belarus, has committed to maintaining defense spending at 3.5% of its GDP in 2025, with potential increases to 5% in the future. Sakaliene highlighted Russia’s transition to a military-focused economy, warning that the West must not underestimate Moscow’s ambitions beyond Ukraine.
“My concern is that freezing the war in Ukraine will only give Russia time to prepare for further aggression,” she said. “Their transformation to a wartime economy is not just about Ukraine—it signals broader imperial ambitions.”
Impact of US-European Collaboration
Sakaliene underscored the pragmatic reasons for continued U.S. involvement in European defense. She argued that a weakened Europe, vulnerable to Russian aggression, would also have negative implications for the United States, particularly in its efforts to counter China on the global stage.
“A strong Europe is essential for the U.S. in its confrontation with China,” she said. “If Europe falls under greater strain from Russia, it will inevitably impact the U.S. strategically and economically.”
Rising Regional Tensions
Sakaliene’s remarks come as tensions remain high in the Baltic region. She admitted that the likelihood of a Russian invasion of Lithuania feels far greater now than it did a decade ago.
Her comments also touched on the broader implications of Western indecisiveness. She criticized the delays in procuring vital resources, such as ammunition for Ukraine, as evidence of the need for more robust and coordinated defense policies across Europe.
Call to Action
Sakaliene’s speech serves as a rallying cry for European nations to step up their defense efforts. As Lithuania faces the dual threats of Russian aggression and the challenges of securing adequate support from allies, the minister’s message highlights the urgent need for unity and resilience in the face of growing global instability.
