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On 27 October, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys welcomed participants at the international security and defence conference “Defending Baltics 2026”. This year’s conference focuses on lessons learned from Ukraine’s experience of war and how they can be applied to strengthen the resilience of Lithuania and other European countries.

“Ukraine is not merely a recipient of aid. Through its experience, innovation and ability to operate under wartime conditions, it contributes to the security and resilience of Europe as a whole. The key lesson we have learned is that preparations cannot wait until a crisis begins. Resilience must be built in advance, in cooperation with partners and by learning from their experience,” Kęstutis Budrys said in his opening address on the second day of the conference.

According to Budrys, Europe’s security environment is changing rapidly. As Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine, the region faces not only military challenges, but also acts of sabotage, airspace violations, information threats and other hybrid threats. Countries must therefore strengthen their preparedness, protect critical infrastructure and ensure the uninterrupted provision of public services and the continuity of government institutions even in the most challenging circumstances.

The Minister noted that for more than twelve years Ukraine has been defending not only its independence and territorial integrity, but also Europe’s security and values. According to Budrys, in the face of relentless Russian attacks, Ukraine has learned how to protect critical infrastructure, maintain essential services, adapt to attacks on energy and communications systems, and ensure the continuity of government institutions.

“These lessons cannot be fully replicated through exercises or theoretical planning. They have emerged from confronting real threats, adapting rapidly and finding solutions under the most difficult circumstances,” the Minister said.

Budrys stressed that the first and most important responsibility remains to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. At the same time, Ukraine’s experience must be used to strengthen Europe’s preparedness for potential crises.

According to the Minister, it is particularly important for Lithuania to ensure the protection of critical infrastructure, the provision of essential public services and the continuity of government functions during wartime or other serious security crises. Budrys emphasised that this requires a clear division of responsibilities, practical solutions, regular exercises and close cooperation between government institutions, local authorities, businesses and society.

At the international conference “Defending Baltics 2026”, experts from Lithuania, Ukraine and other European countries are discussing practical solutions for strengthening societal resilience, protecting critical infrastructure and improving institutional preparedness for potential security crises.