🇱🇹 Glad to see the robust reserve of Lithuanian_Armed_Forces! Over 10,000 active reserve personnel have been called up to upgrade their skills. Today, 2500 of them arrived for the exercise #Thunderstorm2024 .

🇱🇹🇪🇺Lithuania celebrates 20 years in the EU family. On May 1, 2004, we proudly joined as one of 10 new members. EU membership has significantly contributed to strengthening our country's security & facilitated rapid economic growth, bolstering resilience against external threats.

🇱🇹DefMin Laurynas Kasčiūnas has a series of meetings with 🇺🇸US senators. In discussions with Marco Rubio & Rick Scott, it was emphasized that further support for Ukraine is essential to prevent war in the NATO space & to deter Russia. US presence in Europe is of strategic importance.

🇱🇹DefMin Laurynas Kasčiūnas:

💬It is time to reshape our thinking and acting on Russia. We need to agree on comprehensive, long-term measures. A fundamental review of the NATO policy towards Russia is necessary to reflect the new geopolitical reality.

🇱🇹DefMin Laurynas Kasčiūnas met with 🇺🇸Department of Defense 🇺🇸 USD (A&S) William LaPlante, thanking for US support in developing Lithuanian military capabilities. Minister reiterated invitation for US defence industry to invest in Lithuania, underscoring the potential for fruitful partnership.

The meeting with Leader McConnell. Today, it's crucial that the 🇺🇸 is assured of two things:
1. 🇪🇺's serious approach and sustainable defense investment.
2. 🇪🇺's recognition of the challenges posed by 🇨🇳 and unity with the 🇺🇸.

🇱🇹exemplifies leadership in both regards.

#NATOfaces

📸 Photo project for Lithuania's 20th and NATO's 75th anniversary. Twice a week, we showcase portraits & reflections of NATO soldiers in our country.

🇨🇦 Meet Martin from NATO NFIU Lithuania, who leaves no place for interpretations: Lithuania's security is in good hands.

“We should not give to Russia informal veto power on NATO enlargement,” says 🇱🇹 Lithuanian MOD 🇱🇹’s Laurynas Kasčiūnas at the Atlantic Council.

“No third country should have such kind of blocking right.”

Vilnius Summit decisions were important for NATO’s deterrence and defence. In less than 3 months, we will go to Washington. We need to make sure it is a Summit that also delivers results and demonstrates NATO’s resolve, will and capabilities to defend every inch of the Alliance.

Last week saw a significant display of power with Exercise BRAVE GRIFFIN 2024-I, jointly conducted by the 🇱🇹🇵🇱🇺🇸&🇵🇹 militaries in the vicinity of the Suwalki Gap. What matters most: this exercise proved the effective execution of the bilateral Lithuanian-Polish operational plan.

🇱🇹Viceminister Žilvinas Tomkus met with 🇯🇵Viceminister Miyake Shingo, marking the first visit of such a high-level Japan's defence representative to Lithuania. Discussions focused on regional security: from Russia, Kaliningrad & Belarus to Indo-Pacific, China & North Korea.

🇱🇹➡️🇺🇦 A good week is defined by our provision of military support to Ukraine. Last week, we sent M577 armored personnel carriers to bolster Ukrainian efforts. Our unwavering commitment to aiding the Ukrainian military remains steadfast.

🏀Congratulations to BC Jurbarkas-Karys on winning the 🇱🇹National Basketball League title! Part of this team not only excels on the basketball court but also serves in the Lithuanian_Armed_Forces. Their teammates also exemplify its values, serving as inspiring figures for our young generation.

#NATOfaces

Photo project for Lithuania's 20th and NATO's 75th anniversary. Twice a week, we showcase portraits & reflections of NATO soldiers in our country

🇳🇱Meet Frank from NATO eFP Battle Group Lithuania, we asked him how NATO values align with the values of soldiers in their personal lives

The statement that 🇱🇹 drones tried to attack Belorussia is a classic case of disinformation that has nothing to do with reality.
As Winston Churchill once said: “A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on”.

#NATOfaces

📸 Photo project for Lithuania's 20th and NATO's 75th anniversary. Twice a week, we showcase portraits & reflections of NATO soldiers in our country.

🇱🇹 Meet Otilija from Lithuanian_Armed_Forces Iron Wolf Brigade. We asked her about NATO goals & what they mean to a NATO soldier.

Pleasure to meet my friend Pål Jonson and @CarlOscar. #NATO Defence Plans, cooperation in air, coastal defence & harbor protection, cyber threats’ analysis, defence industry, maritime situational awareness and support for 🇺🇦 – among the main topics of our frank discussion. 🇱🇹🇸🇪

🇱🇹MoD Laurynas Kasčiūnas today met with Swedish Security and Defence Industry Association & encouraged them to cooperate with🇱🇹defence industry and to invest in the joint production of armaments.

#NATOfaces

Photo project for Lithuania's 20th and NATO's 75th anniversary. Twice a week, we showcase portraits & reflections of NATO soldiers in our country.

🇨🇿 Meet Radek from NATO eFP Battle Group Lithuania. We asked him what securing NATO's eastern flank means to him.

📸Agnė Bekeraitytė.

Exciting news! The 🇺🇸 Congress has approved a bill to provide aid to 🇺🇦, showing support for its sovereignty and security. This decision is a testament to the importance of standing with our allies in times of need. Let's continue to work to flourish democracy and defeat tyranny.