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"It is a great day, on which we can welcome the U.S. Secretary of Defence to Lithuania. This visit was very much needed at the moment. In our opinion, Russia poses a threat not only to Ukraine, but also to the whole region. Russia clearly demonstrates that it is choosing a path of force. This is extremely dangerous to the Baltic states, because our security depends on compliance with agreements," said the Deputy Minister of National Defence, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis in a meeting with the U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, who was visiting Vilnius on 18 February.

With the leadership of the Ministry of National Defence and the Lithuanian Armed Forces, the head of the Pentagon discussed Russia's military deployment in Belarus, the deteriorating security situation in Ukraine, and the deterrence posture in the Baltic states. During a press conference, which was held after the meeting at the Ministry of National Defence, Landsbergis said that “Russia’s proposal for a new European security architecture will receive a very clear and very strong response. There will be sanctions imposed on Russia and help offered to Ukraine. The Baltic states also expect more support and additional defence capabilities.”

According to Landsbergis, the West must leave room at the diplomatic table for those countries that want to sit at it. If a chair at the table remains empty, we must say very clearly that we are ready to defend ourselves and to be defended.

During the visit, Austin confirmed that the U.S. would continue to work actively together with Lithuania to strengthen the security of the Baltic region and would take a concerted action to address security threats, defending common interests and values.

After the bilateral meeting between the representatives of Lithuania and the United States, Austin held a meeting with the three Baltic Defence Ministers. The U.S. Secretary of Defence discussed the main issues of the provision of military support for Ukraine with Landsbergis, the Latvian Minister for Defence Artis Pabriks, and the Minister of Defence of Estonia Kalle Laanet. Prior to that, Austin also met with the President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda and the Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė.