Gabrielius Landsbergis / AP nuotr.
In the West, fatigue over the war in Ukraine has reached its peak, leading to statements about "peace" that are proposals for capitulation. However, the Ukrainian victory plan is an attempt to counter these sentiments.
This was stated by Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, as reported by RLT.
"This fatigue forces us to seek a way out, which is why we hear more and more discussions about 'peace,' which, in my opinion, are actually proposals for capitulation. Therefore, the victory plan is a clear pressure and an attempt to counter such sentiments," said Landsbergis.
Additionally, the minister noted that the most important aspect for Ukraine is security guarantees. According to him, there is no better guarantee in Europe than NATO's Article 5.
He also added that inviting Ukraine to NATO now, amid uncertainty regarding borders, is entirely possible, and there have been historical precedents for this, particularly in the case of Germany. Thus, only political will is needed for accession.
Landsbergis emphasized that the Alliance could already start preparing defense plans for Ukraine. There is no need to wait until our country's NATO membership occurs. It is essential to send messages in two directions.
"One is to Putin, that his aggression will not continue, that the West can protect Ukraine. The second is for Ukrainians, so they can begin to consider and see their country as safe," the minister stressed.
However, if Ukraine does not receive security guarantees, Landsbergis stated that it will have to take care of its own defense.
"I'm not saying that nuclear weapons are the way, but it indicates a certain mindset that clearly states: if not NATO, then what remains? We will have to defend ourselves, as Putin will indeed not stop," he concluded.
It is worth noting that recently, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that the question of inviting Ukraine to NATO depends on which administration is in the White House (USA). According to the official, his country is not opposed to inviting Ukraine to the Alliance.