At the Snow Meeting, Ms Sekerinska highlighted the importance of increasing defence spending and production, supporting Ukraine, and countering hostile actions against Allies. “Russia is the most significant threat to our security. It wants to wipe Ukraine off the map,” she said. The Deputy Secretary General went on to describe how Moscow is trying to divide Allies and deter support to Ukraine with the help of China, Iran, North Korea, and Belarus. She was clear: “They will not succeed.”
The Snow Meeting is an annual high-level discussion forum organised by the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry, to address challenges facing the Euro-Atlantic community.
Addressing the surge in cyber-attacks, disinformation, political interference, and sabotage against Allies, the Deputy Secretary General highlighted the launch of Baltic Sentry by NATO to enhance vigilance in the Baltic Sea. She said at the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague Allies will “agree an updated strategy to counter hostile actions against our countries.” In light of these increasing threats, Ms Sekerinska said that Allies need to go well beyond spending 2% of GDP on defence.
In Rukla, the Deputy Secretary General met with troops from NATO’s Forward Land Forces, led by Germany, and Lithuania’s Iron Wolf Brigade. She praised their professionalism and dedication, and said their presence, “sends an unmistakable message. Lithuania does not stand alone. NATO will deter any aggression. One for all, and all for one.”
Her visit to Lithuania included meetings with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, and Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė. On Wednesday, Ms Sekerinska opened the eighth Transatlantic Policy Planners’ Conference in Vilnius.
Source: NATO.
