The possibility of a new war in Europe is currently the highest since the end of the Second World War in 1945, the Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Valdemārs Rupšis admitted on Thursday.
“From a military point of view, the soldier believes that the threat of war to Europe is currently the highest since 1945. There is an imminent danger that a big or even big war could break out,” he told Lithuanian public television, commenting on Western concerns about Russia’s possible invasion of Ukraine.
According to the General, it is gratifying that all NATO army commanders who discussed the situation at a meeting of the Alliance’s Military Committee on Wednesday and Thursday understand the dangers.
According to him, both possible scenarios for the development of events in Ukraine and the role of Belarus are being assessed, taking into account that in military terms Belarus is no longer considered an independent state – its army is seen as an integral part of the Russian Armed Forces.
Rupšis has pointed out that the level of readiness of the Lithuanian Armed Forces is currently increased, taking into account, among other things, the possibility that illegal migration could be used as a cover for, for example, a conventional attack.
He expressed hope that an armed conflict would not break out, but at the same time acknowledged that “the worst must be prepared”.
Speaking about Russia’s demands on the alliance, the general emphasized that the West must be firm and not give in.
“We must not allow ourselves to be prepared to accept any of their offers, to impose any restrictions on ourselves, to give up training and so on,” he said.
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