Gitanas Nausėda, the President of Lithuania, expressed concern about the potential withdrawal of NATO’s promise of Ukraine’s membership in the Alliance, noting that this could seriously damage the bloc’s reputation. In his interview with Lithuanian radio Žinių Radijas, he emphasized the importance of NATO’s support for Ukraine.
Nausėda pointed out that the prospects for Ukraine’s membership were clearly outlined at the last three NATO summits. He believes that if the Alliance decides to abandon these promises, it will significantly undermine trust in it. “This would be a huge blow to NATO’s reputation,” he stressed.
The Lithuanian president also highlighted the necessity of inviting Ukraine to the June NATO summit in The Hague so that Kyiv could present its position on important issues. Nausėda believes that Ukraine should consider two paths to obtain security guarantees: strengthening its Armed Forces and NATO membership. He considers the latter to be a more effective option for the Alliance member states.
“A strong Ukrainian army requires about 50 billion euros annually. The question is whether the West is ready to spend such significant funds every year. If so, that’s good, but we often face political difficulties that complicate providing the necessary support,” Nausėda noted.
He also emphasized that NATO membership could be the most cost-effective way to ensure security guarantees for Ukraine. Commenting on peace negotiations, the Lithuanian president expressed his conviction that Vladimir Putin is not interested in peace and will try to avoid direct talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“I am sure that Putin is not interested in peace at all,” Nausėda said, adding that a change in this position is only possible with a decisive political course from the United States.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that NATO membership is the strongest security guarantee, but the final decision depends on the United States. At the same time, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed the view that Ukraine “will not join NATO.”
According to ANSA, the United States allegedly opposes inviting Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the NATO summit, which will take place on June 24–25 in The Hague. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stated that the decision to invite the Ukrainian president will be made by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
