During a party council meeting in Kaunas on Saturday, a leading conservative politician highlighted the importance of U.S. participation in European defense plans while Europe remains vulnerable due to its insufficient military capabilities. This statement underscores the urgency of reassessing European defense strategies in the context of increasing global security threats.

The politician characterized the current security landscape in Europe as facing the most significant challenge since the end of the Cold War, with a particular focus on Russia's military actions in Ukraine. He argued that Russia is not merely engaged in a war against Ukraine, but is also restructuring its state apparatus for a prolonged confrontation, hinting at the need for Europe to adapt to this recalibrated threat.

His remarks call for a re-evaluation of defense commitments among European nations, emphasizing that reliance on U.S. support cannot be a long-term strategy unless Europe invests in and develops its military strength. This discussion is crucial in light of recent geopolitical tensions, suggesting that European nations may need to collaborate more closely to address their security dilemmas effectively.