'In Many People's Minds, the War is Still Just a TV Show,' Says Lithuanian Opposition Leader

Laurynas Kasciunas, the leader of the Lithuanian opposition and former defense minister, stated that in the minds of many, the war remains perceived as a "TV show." He expressed concern that this perception underestimates the gravity of the ongoing conflict and its implications for regional security.

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In the minds of many people, the war is still just a TV show.

Kosciunas noted the strategic importance of American military presence, suggesting that American soldiers represent a more significant deterrent to Russian President Vladimir Putin compared to their German counterparts. Despite this, he conveyed his hope that Germany will eventually step up to fill the security vacuum should the U.S. reduce its commitment in Europe.

As a prominent security policy expert in the Baltics and a potential future prime minister, Kasciunas's insights are particularly relevant given NATO's preparations for its Ankara summit and the frequent Russian drone incidents confronting the Baltic states. He cautioned against complacency, emphasizing that the Baltic Sea, despite the NATO expansion with Sweden and Finland, is not an internal NATO lake.

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American soldiers are more dangerous to Putin than German soldiers.

He specifically pointed to the continued threat posed by Russia's Kaliningrad exclave, which houses its Baltic fleet and nuclear deterrence capabilities. Kasciunas warned that terms like "NATO Sea" could foster a false sense of security, urging vigilance against underestimating the persistent Russian military presence and capabilities in the region. He also addressed the Suwalki Gap, acknowledging the grim scenarios but stressing the importance of intelligence for early warnings and timely troop deployments to deter any potential Russian invasion.

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The designation 'NATO Sea' is dangerous because it suggests false security. Of course, our strategic depth has fundamentally improved. But the Baltic Sea is not an internal lake of the alliance. The threat from the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad still exists and is currently criminally underestimated in the West. Russia still has its Baltic fleet and nuclear deterrence capabilities there. We must not let ourselves be lulled into carelessness by terms.