Ukraine ceasefire would be 'a trap that will end in another conflict' Lithuania's FM | DW News

Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz says achieving independence from the USA will be a priority, arguing Washington does not care about Europe’s fate. But asked about Merz’ pledge, Lithuania’s foreign minister warned there is “no substitute” to a US defensive presence in Europe and said the EU should seek “opportunities to strengthen bonds” with the Trump administration.
“Even if we start spending all of us 5% right now this year for our defense needs, we cannot build those capabilities even in five or ten years. We are dependent on transatlantic relations,” Kęstutis Budrys told DW in Brussels the day after Germany’s election.
“If NATO collapses, if all the security architecture collapses, everyone is in danger and everyone will face the existential threats,” he said, adding that Germany would also be exposed.
Budrys reiterated a call for Germany to provide Ukraine with long-range weapons, something the outgoing administration in Berlin ruled out in a bid to avoid an escalation of the war.
“That's what Ukraine needs, and not providing these tools for Ukraine, then we are lying to ourselves that we are supporting Ukraine until the victory,” the minister said on the sidelines of EU talks on Monday.
Budrys was careful not to criticize the US for its attempt to broker a peace deal over Ukraine, but he issued a general warning about negotiating with Russia:
“A ceasefire may look like [an] appealing way and then to have the quick result. But it's a trap that will end in another conflict, be it repeated aggression against Ukraine or be it another target in Europe,” he said.
"We have to go in and talk and explain and make it right, because you cannot make the good decisions on the wrong assessments," he added. "We want Americans to be on the right side because I want to believe that they are trying to achieve what we are trying to achieve here: the just and lasting peace."

#Lithuania #NATO #Ukraine
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Post from DW News on February 24, 2025

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