Lithuanian Defense Minister urges NATO to extend membership invitation to Ukraine “immediately”

Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas on Thursday called on the North Atlantic Alliance to extend its membership invitation to Ukraine immediately. Speaking to journalists in Brussels ahead of a meeting of NATO defense ministers, Kasčiūnas stressed the importance of this step in solidifying Ukraine’s place within the Alliance.

“The invitation is the first stage, but it is a real irreversibility, a point of no return,” he said, underscoring the significance of NATO’s support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing war with Russia.

Kasčiūnas further articulated that bolstering Ukraine was crucial for NATO’s strategy, suggesting, “If you want to expel Russia from the territory of NATO, if there is such an idea, test NATO; the best way is to support Ukraine by all means.”

This statement comes as NATO continues to discuss its future direction and the security challenges posed by Russia, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.