Russia prepares for long-term confrontation with NATO — Lithuanian Foreign Minister

Intelligence in NATO countries has reached a consensus that Russia poses a long-term military direct threat to the Alliance. Moscow is clearly preparing for a long-term confrontation with NATO.

This was stated by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys at a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on April 1.

"The intelligence community in NATO countries has agreed that Russia is a long-term military direct threat to NATO. And there are all the grounds for this assessment. In particular, these are Russia’s plans and capabilities, which are expected to be very close to NATO. They have been investing in this for decades. And they are clearly preparing for a long-term confrontation with NATO," said Budrys.

Putin’s political goals

He noted that after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it became clear that Moscow is using its military forces for political purposes as well.

"These political goals are obvious. Putin has stated this several times. He said what he wants. He wants the Americans out of Europe. He wants to dominate Europe. He wants the infrastructure to be pushed westward. He doesn’t want Ukraine to be an independent, strong country with economic and social conditions. And that’s what he is achieving," said the Lithuanian Foreign Minister.

He added that Putin had been achieving these political goals through political measures, not war, as is the case now. Budrys is confident that the Russian dictator will try to achieve this through negotiations and other means. Therefore, this is a long-term perspective for Russia.

According to the minister, there are only three scenarios for interaction with Russia for NATO and Ukraine:

1. war with Russia,

2. threat from Russia,

3. occupation.

Budrys expressed his belief that the only way to avoid the worst outcome is to deter Moscow by strengthening defense and increasing international support for Ukraine.

"Therefore, in the future, we see long-term support for Ukraine and Ukraine’s NATO membership as a solution to ensure security. And this is how we must approach Russia," the Lithuanian minister emphasized.

He added that he had no illusions about the current Russian regime, about the time and the era.

"They need territories, and they want to subjugate their neighbors. This is who we are dealing with. And you know this better than anyone else," concluded Budrys.