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Lithuania’s Foreign Minister answered a question about the allies’ decision to send a battalion to Lithuania.

A battalion, really, consists of about 1,000 soldiers, so it can’t be strategic in any way. However, bearing in mind the context, i.e. the interoperability, coherence, and multinationalism of this effort – let’s say six countries have declared their readiness to deploy troops for this battalion – it is not only symbolic, but also sends an impressive signal that we work together for our security. It is a system, not only a fact, but a system itself. So this is tangible and visible progress. As regards military capabilities in our region, they are really insufficient, inefficient, there are many blank spaces, so this is exactly a step towards filling the gap.

Nevertheless, you’re quite right: What can 1,000 soldiers do? Absolutely nothing in the face of the threat from Russia. So what is the essence? Please, explain clearly if possible.

If Russia won’t threaten, there’s nothing to protect ourselves from. I am speaking about security guarantees. We see instability all around us. You have mentioned Russia. We see what is happening in Ukraine and that is because of Russia. We do not see any stability in this country and we really should care about our own security. So the battalion itself, certainly, can’t solve the problem, but it is an integral part of the system, if it is necessary to strengthen the capabilities. If necessary, we will have to concentrate more troops. The main thing is to have a system, to have interoperability and that you can see the multinationalism of this effort.

Let’s call things by their proper name. And what is in Ukraine? Do you see the threat from Russia? Otherwise, what is all that for?

And you do not see any threats from Russia in Ukraine? I do see an ongoing annexation of the territory of Ukraine. They are finished with Crimea. Now they are carrying out operations in Donetsk and Lugansk. So, it seems to me, we do see the threat. And, by the way, Russia denies that it is side to the conflict. So this gets very interesting. It would be interesting to know, whether all people in Russia believe this.

Absolutely.

All people believe that Russia has nothing to do with it?

Certainly, yes.

See, this is interesting.

Will you visit Russia after the events in Ukraine?

We are not scared of anyone. We are part of NATO, therefore, we will do everything we can to not be afraid of anyone, so that the signals and information after the Warsaw Summit would leave no doubt that the Alliance takes security seriously. The Alliance takes security very seriously. Moreover, the Alliance has no list of enemies, which would include Russia. However, there must be no doubt that the Alliance will do everything to guarantee security of its territories, citizens and borders.

Is there any arrangement to allow for increasing the number of this contingent, these battalions?

If it will be necessary – certainly, but currently there are no such plans. We just plan whatever is announced publicly.

And the last question. Could you please give me the details: Where will they settle down? What kind of soldiers are those? How many soldiers will arrive? From what countries will they come? Or: When, as will be agreed, should they arrive? Next year?

Nobody will procrastinate, but there shall also be no hurry. This already depends on the military personnel – when, how many, from what countries, what kind of soldiers, and so on. These are probably such technical details, which will depend on Germany, as this country is responsible for the formation of the unit. Thus, probably, first of all, it is up to Germany to make the above-mentioned decisions. 

And which territory are you ready to offer NATO?  Will you?

We will, probably, have to agree on this, somehow, too. Soldiers will settle down where it is necessary, where there are better conditions. Certainly, we will carry out our duties, as a receiving side, to guarantee that it runs smoothly and is done in a timely manner, and the generation process will occur due to our allies’ efforts.

To the last question: Don’t you think that namely this is escalating the conflict with Russia, because if you move towards Russian borders, we might have to respond in some way or another?

Well, you see, you have already been responding for many years and that is the reason why such summits are held, because you responded in advance. There is a need to look in reverse order at who responds and to what. Considering the number of troops at the borders, the number of soldiers on the Russian side is several times bigger than that on NATO’s side. But we would not even think about competing with Russia. I have just mentioned the fact: it is necessary to look in reverse order, proceeding from reasons to consequences. However, your spectators are, perhaps, very well informed – I understand they do not see Russia’s actions – and it is difficult to argue about this. We must, perhaps, communicate more, discuss the situation in more detail and then the audience will be able to see it as it is.