„In this particular case, NATO should definitely respond more strongly. Just like in our case, we say that there must be both counter-drone capabilities and an expanded „Eastern Sentry“ for our air defense, just as in Romania,“ the minister told journalists on Saturday.
„We have success stories. The way NATO responded to incidents in Poland showed that it is possible to push those incidents away from the border, forcing Russia to take more precautionary measures. Those decisions must be made along the entire frontline,“ he added.
After a drone hit a house in a city near the border with Ukraine, two people were injured. According to the Romanian Ministry of Defense, this happened during the night from Thursday to Friday, as Russia renewed drone attacks against civilian and infrastructure targets in Ukraine.
Recently, the Baltic countries and Finland have also been facing drone incursions.
According to the minister, the EU’s role is also very important in stopping such incidents.
„The financial instruments of the European Union that we are planning could be implemented much earlier. With counter-drone measures, but also other comprehensive resilience-enhancing measures. Inclusion of Ukraine,“ said K. Budrys.
According to him, the number of fighter jets conducting air policing missions must be increased, patrols intensified, and pressure applied at the border.
„We have the opportunity to show that there is a certain cost. Not necessarily by striking back, but by increasing the number of fighter jets, increasing patrols, increasing pressure right at the border. This is how we must respond,“ the minister insisted.
Russian statements – propaganda
Meanwhile, speaking about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statement that Russia is capable of destroying those who try to attack the Kaliningrad region, K. Budrys says this is Kremlin propaganda, and Lithuania’s most important interest is to strengthen deterrence measures.
„We should not get involved in Russia’s propaganda interpretations. (…) We all understand that Russia does not need any rhetorical justifications or reasons to start something. It will come up with whatever reasons it wants if it has the will and the capabilities,“ said K. Budrys.
„Our interest is deterrence and to show such capabilities to reduce that (Russia’s – BNS) desire. (…) Either deterrence through response measures. And our defense in the region will be very broad. And those actions, if we need to respond to aggression, would be very broad. Putin understands this too,“ the minister added.
As BNS wrote, K. Budrys said in an interview published last week in the magazine „Neue Zurcher Zeitung“ that NATO has all the means to destroy the air defense capabilities in the Russian exclave.
In response, V. Putin retorted that Russia „has all the means to level to the ground those who try to do that“.
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