“I need tools. We cannot complete tasks without the ability to do it, yet our ability is at stake when we have nothing left to give,” Lieutenant General Rupšis told reporters at the Pabrade training camp on Wednesday. “I will recommend it. We need to look for other forms of support.”
He also assumed that Lithuania could supply Ukraine with weapons if new weapons were purchased to replace existing ones.
“We need to understand that we also have obligations to NATO. We have clearly indicated which units we contribute to NATO. This should also include indirect fire or field artillery, maneuvering units with firepower and air defense to provide support as a host country.” listed the commander of the Lithuanian army.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis stressed to reporters in Vilnius on Wednesday that support for Ukraine, including military support, must continue.
He expressed surprise as to why the question of howitzers is being discussed in public.
“I believe that matters are being discussed behind closed doors in the National Defense Council, because such decisions are related to national security, our support for partners, and I urge senior officials to observe this principle. I am a little surprised that such decisions are made. discussions take place in public, “said the Lithuanian Foreign Minister.
At the request of Kiev, Lithuania is considering providing Ukraine with howitzers and air defense systems. However, critics point out that such arms deliveries will damage Lithuania’s recently strengthened defense capabilities.
Lithuanian President Gitans Nausėdas told the SNB news agency this month that the decision on the supply of military equipment to Ukraine will be taken by the National Defense Council, but did not mention a specific date for its convening.
The defense council chaired by the president also includes the prime minister, the president of parliament, the defense minister and the commander of the armed forces. Discusses and coordinates the most important national defense issues.
