Lithuanian FM: NATO response to missile in Poland could have been stronger

Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys believes NATO's reaction to a Russian missile landing in Poland was insufficient, suggesting a stronger response is necessary.

Budrys highlighted that while the incident did not automatically trigger Article 5 of the NATO treaty, it necessitates an evaluation of defense system performance. He questioned whether NATO radars detected the missile promptly and if fighter jet response procedures were adequate. "If we lack capabilities, we must increase them, because we cannot normalize situations where missiles fly into our airspace," he stated.

“

If we lack capabilities, we must increase them, because we cannot normalize situations where missiles fly into our airspace.

The minister advocated for a "firm response" that prioritizes bolstering military capabilities. He also pointed to past operations like "Eastern Guard" and "Baltic Guardian," where increased NATO forces in the region led Russia to take precautionary measures, reducing incidents and infrastructure damage.

Former Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius echoed the call for a strong response, noting that Western nations are finally recognizing the fundamental threats posed by Russia's actions. He argued that while a direct military response isn't required, it must be robust. Linkevičius proposed that Ukraine should receive more Patriot missile systems and Western ballistic missiles to enhance its defense and offensive capabilities, suggesting that Russia's actions have removed previous reservations Western countries held about transferring such weapons.

“

The response must be not necessarily direct, but definitely strong.