“NATO defends every inch of Allied territory, against any threat, from any direction,” Rutte said. He cited Italian jets deployed by NATO from Šiauliai airbase that shot down a drone after it violated Lithuanian airspace on 15 September.
“This is collective defence in action,” Rutte said. He identified Drone Edge among the initiatives supporting NATO’s response to drone threats and highlighted the Alliance’s presence in the Baltic Sea.
Rutte also welcomed Lithuanian investment in the Rūdninkai training area to accommodate NATO’s Forward Land Forces based in the country. Lithuania is expected to spend 5.38% of GDP on core defence this year, he said.
“Lithuania leads by example on defence investment,” Rutte said. “Lithuania doesn’t just meet its commitments; it sets the standards.”
On Ukraine, Rutte highlighted Lithuania’s commitment to provide at least 0.25% of GDP annually in military assistance and its $38 million contribution to Ukraine’s defence industry. He also pointed to Lithuanian support for energy infrastructure and railway locomotives.
“It is failing on the battlefield in Ukraine, and it is failing to undermine our unity and support for Ukraine,” Rutte said of Russia. “Our message to Moscow is clear: we will do even more for Ukraine, not less.”
Source: NATO HQ (press release).
