Lithuania on Monday urged visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to take a tougher line to stop Russia in Ukraine, in case Moscow’s forces go further.
Russian President Vladimir Putin “will not stop in Ukraine”, President Gitanas Nauseda told him.
“It is our collective duty and obligation to help … Ukrainians by all means available,” Nauseda said.
“And when I say all, I indeed mean all. If you don’t, you’re going to a third World War.”
Blinken praised Lithuania’s support for Ukraine and reiterated Washington’s backing for the NATO alliance, of which Lithuania is a member.
He sought to reassure Vilnius of US defence support, as Russian forces continue to pummel Ukraine.
Lithuania, a small former Soviet republic on the Baltic Sea, borders both Russia and Moscow’s ally Belarus.
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“No-one should doubt our readiness. No-one should doubt our resolve,” Blinken said of NATO. “An attack on one is an attack on all,” he said.
But, asked if the US would commit to permanently basing US troops in Lithuania, he would only say the idea was under consideration.
Foreign Minister Gabrielus Landsbergis thanked Blinken for the build-up of NATO troops in eastern Europe but added: “We need to ensure the security of the Baltic states.”
Blinken was on the first stop in a trip to the Baltic nations, after visiting Poland and Moldova — both on Ukraine’s borders and the immediate destination for more than a million refugees fleeing the fighting.
All have urged Washington to step up support for the Ukrainian military and to provide more financial help to deal with the humanitarian situation.
Blinken said Washington and its allies would continue to step up pressure on Russia until Moscow ends the invasion.
“And whether it’s a week, whether it’s a month, whether it’s longer, I’m utterly convinced that Ukraine will prevail,” he said.
AFP
