Lithuanian defense minister: Only way to negotiate with Russia is with a ‘gun on the table’

Exclusive: Lithuania’s Defense Minister Warns of Russia’s Aggression and Calls for Stronger Western Resolve

Growing up under Soviet rule, Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė experienced firsthand the harsh realities of life in a oppressed nation. Her family’s history is marked by pain and resistance; her mother was born in a Siberian prison camp, and her teenage uncle was punished for distributing leaflets declaring, “Lithuania is free.” These experiences have shaped Šakalienė’s unwavering stance against Russian aggression and her belief in the importance of strength in dealing with Vladimir Putin. In a recent interview at the Lithuanian Embassy in Washington, Šakalienė made it clear that trust in Putin is nonexistent for her and her fellow Lithuanians. “Are you kidding me?” she said when asked if Putin could be trusted. “After what was done to my family and by Russia for generations, I don’t think you would find any Lithuanian who could trust Vladimir Putin.” Her words reflect the deep-seated mistrust and skepticism that many in Lithuania and across Eastern Europe feel toward Russia.

Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine and the Fragility of Diplomacy

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now in its fourth year, has brought the region to a boiling point. While President Donald Trump has engaged in direct talks with Russia to end the war, Šakalienė remains pessimistic about the prospects of diplomacy. She emphasized that historically, Russia has never honored its agreements, and the only effective way to deal with Putin is through strength and deterrence. “The only efficient diplomacy with Russia was what Al Capone said,” she warned, referencing the infamous gangster’s philosophy that the only successful negotiation is one conducted with a gun on the table. Šakalienė believes that Trump’s tough approach may be the only thing keeping Putin in check, and she hopes that this strategy will continue to safeguard against further aggression. However, she made it clear that any diplomatic efforts must be accompanied by a readiness to act decisively if Russia violates its commitments.

Lithuania’s Strategic Position and Growing Defense Spending

Lithuania, a small nation of 2.8 million people in Eastern Europe, is acutely aware of its vulnerable position. It shares a 184-mile border with Russia’s Kaliningrad enclave and a 420-mile border with Belarus, which Šakalienė described as “now just a platform for the Russian army.” The presence of Russian forces on its borders has left Lithuania feeling insecure and threatened. “They are trying to frighten us,” Šakalienė said. “They are trying to make us feel insecure.” In response, Lithuania has been ramping up its defense spending, planning to exceed Trump’s demand that NATO allies spend at least 5% of their GDP on defense. Šakalienė hopes Lithuania will reach 6% by next year, far surpassing the current U.S. level of 3.4%. This reflects the country’s determination to strengthen its military capabilities and reduce its reliance on others for protection.

The Need for Unity and Burden Sharing in NATO

Šakalienė’s comments also highlighted the broader challenges within NATO, particularly the uneven burden of defense spending among its members. During a recent trip to NATO headquarters in Brussels, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged allies to increase their contributions, warning that the United States would no longer tolerate an imbalanced relationship that fosters dependency. Šakalienė was in the room and described the reaction of her colleagues as one of shock and stress. “Nobody in the room mentioned 2% [of GDP],” she said, referencing the outdated NATO target that many countries still cling to. “It’s gone. It’s old news.” Šakalienė applauded Hegseth’s blunt remarks, calling them an “ice-cold bucket of water” that was long overdue. She emphasized that burden sharing is essential for a strong alliance and that every member must contribute its fair share.

The Role of China and the Shifting Global Landscape

Šakalienė also addressed the role of China in the ongoing conflict, revealing a complex and calculated strategy. She pointed out that China has been supporting Russia’s military production, enabling it to sustain its war effort in Ukraine. However, she noted that China’s support is not altruistic; it is part of a larger strategy to weaken Russia, making it a more manageable neighbor. “A weaker Russia is more convenient to China,” she explained. At the same time, China is positioning itself to benefit from the war of exhaustion, which distracts Russia and drains its resources. Šakalienė’s comments underscore the shifting dynamics of global power and the intricate web of alliances and rivalries that are shaping the conflict in Ukraine.

Faith, Freedom, and the Fight for Independence

For Šakalienė, the fight against Russia is not just about geopolitics; it is deeply personal and rooted in her faith. A devout Christian, she expressed outrage over Russia’s attacks on churches and the Christian community in Ukraine. “It was Soviet Russia that tried to annihilate the church in Ukraine, in Lithuania, in Poland,” she said. “They have now sort of revived their Christianity and are using it for KGB infiltration, for FSB infiltration. This is a betrayal.” Šakalienė’s words reflect the broader struggle for freedom and self-determination that has defined Lithuania’s history. From the Soviet occupation to the present day, the country has fought tirelessly to protect its independence and way of life. As Šakalienė made clear, Lithuania will stop at nothing to defend its borders and its values, even if it means withdrawing from international treaties that prohibit the use of certain weapons. “We want to be ready to use anything and everything necessary to protect our borders,” she said. “We don’t want Russians to come to our homes again. We want to send a strategic message, a very clear message, that we will do anything to protect ourselves.”

In the end, Šakalienė’s message is one of resilience and determination. She warned against underestimating Russia’s ambitions and called for a united and resolute response from the West. “We tend to try to diminish our enemies,” she said. “This is a mistake. You have to see them for what they are.” For Šakalienė, the fight is not just about defending Lithuania or Ukraine; it is about preserving the values of freedom, democracy, and faith that are under threat from authoritarian regimes like Russia. As the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold, Šakalienė’s words serve as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved and the need for strength, unity, and resolve in the face of aggression.