‘Bluff and verbal promises aren’t enough’ – Lithuania insists on real security guarantees for Ukraine

Lithuania says any security guarantees for Ukraine must be real and enforceable, not merely declarative.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stressed that Ukraine critically needs clear and legally binding security mechanisms capable of protecting the country against potential future aggression by Russia.

Budrys added words and political promises without concrete action will have no effect. He said any agreement must be put in writing and guaranteed by international partners.

“Security guarantees must be very clear,” Budrys said at a joint press conference in Vilnius with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul.

The Minister noted that Lithuania is ready to support Ukraine in securing such guarantees and will work closely with its partners in Europe and NATO to ensure their implementation.

Budrys also underlined the importance of unity among EU and NATO allies on Ukraine’s security and called for more practical steps rather than purely verbal commitments.