Each of NATO allies can set goal to allocate 0.25% of GDP for military aid to Ukraine - Nauseda
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said that each of the NATO allies could set a goal of allocating 0.25 percent of its own GDP for military assistance to Ukraine, and stressed that it is important not to allow Russia to draw new "red lines."
According to Censor.NET, citing Ukrinform, the Lithuanian president said this today in Brussels during a press conference following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
"We agreed that NATO should focus more on practical support to maximize Ukraine's resilience. We also understand the cost of such practical assistance. In the Washington Commitments, we agreed to around 40 billion in financial assistance for the Ukrainian armed forces, but this is not enough. We need to work on a more ambitious financial contribution for the Hague Summit. Each of the allies can set a goal of allocating 0.25 percent of its own GDP for such military assistance," Nauseda said.
He emphasized that it is important not to allow Russia to draw new "red lines."
"More than anyone else, we understand the importance of every day that Ukrainians win for Europe by resisting Russian aggression. It is also important to use every day to prevent Russia from drawing new red lines or crossing them," Nausėda said.
According to him, NATO countries should provide real security guarantees for Ukraine. With regard to Russia, NATO's approach should be based on the fact that Russia will remain the greatest threat to the Alliance's security for a long time. The Kremlin is preparing for a prolonged confrontation with the West and is strengthening its military and economic potential.
"We need a strategy that comes from a position of strength. Attempts to put pressure on Ukraine to negotiate on unfavorable terms, at the expense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, have nothing to do with a just and sustainable peace. Therefore, we must focus on Ukraine's victory and on deterring Russia," emphasized Nauseda.
