Lithuanian Defence Minister Laurinas Kasciunas. Photo: Reuters
Ukraine’s invitation to join the North Atlantic Alliance will demonstrate to Russia that it has no veto over the actions of its allies and that its aggression will no longer influence the West’s decisions. This was stated by Lithuanian Defence Minister Laurinas Kasciunas at the 10th Kyiv Security Forum for Youth, Ukrinform reports.
Kasciūnas stressed that an official invitation to NATO would be a clear sign that Russia’s influence on the Alliance’s decisions is unacceptable. According to the Lithuanian minister, some Western leaders mistakenly believe that such a decision could lead to an escalation of the conflict. He stressed that history shows that: Russia respects only force and readiness to deter.
Kasčiūnas also added that inviting Ukraine to join the Alliance would be an important step in deterring Russian aggression and would contribute to Ukraine’s victory. According to him, the Ukrainian people, who are fighting not only for their freedom but also for the security of Europe, deserve the support of their allies. He called on the EU and NATO to take clear action to send a message to Russia that its interference in Ukraine’s future will not be tolerated.
As you know, the first point of the “Victory Plan” proposed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is to invite Ukraine to join NATO.
