Former Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė recently expressed her concerns about the ongoing threat that Russia poses to Europe under the leadership of Vladimir Putin. In an interview with Euronews, she called for greater investment in the defense industry to combat this threat effectively. Grybauskaitė also discussed the upcoming Lithuanian elections and the potential impact on foreign policy, emphasizing the country’s commitment to being a responsible partner for the European Union and Ukraine.
With the center-left Social Democratic Party leading in the first round of legislative elections in Lithuania, Grybauskaitė anticipates a continuation of responsible actions towards European partners, with a focus on maintaining strong relationships with the EU, NATO, and Ukraine. The upcoming runoff vote scheduled for 27 October will determine the final outcome, with internal security remaining a key issue due to Lithuania’s strategic location on NATO and the EU’s eastern flank.
One of Grybauskaitė’s concerns is the potential for a peace deal in Ukraine that may allow Russia to maintain occupied territories, giving Moscow time to prepare for future aggression against neighboring countries. She emphasized the importance of standing up to Russia’s aggressive actions and not yielding to compromise, as it would only embolden Putin to continue his destabilizing behavior. Grybauskaitė highlighted the need for a collective defense strategy among Western countries to counter Putin’s threats effectively.
Grybauskaitė warned that as long as Putin remains in power, Russia will continue to pose a threat to all of Europe. She cited Putin’s aggressive actions against neighboring countries as evidence of his willingness to engage in conflict to further his goals. Grybauskaitė stressed the importance of Europe rapidly investing in the defense industry and building military capabilities to deter potential aggression from Russia. She also noted that the outcome of the upcoming US elections could have significant implications for European security and relations with Russia, urging Europe to prepare for any potential challenges that may arise.
During a recent panel discussion at the Estoril Conferences in Portugal, Grybauskaitė shared her insights on diplomacy and international cooperation. She highlighted the need for Europe to become more self-reliant in defense matters and take on greater responsibilities to address the evolving security threats posed by Russia. Grybauskaitė’s experience as a former European commissioner and Lithuanian president provides valuable perspective on the ongoing challenges facing Europe and the importance of a unified approach to address them effectively.
