Lieutenant General Jonas Vytautas Žukas served as the commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces during a critical period marked by Russia's invasion of Eastern Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea in 2014. His tenure began at a time when military tensions in the region were escalating, and as a leader, he engaged in numerous visits to the Pentagon and collaborated with fellow Baltic leaders to strategize responses to extensive military exercises conducted by Russia and Belarus, known as "Zapad." Through these experiences, Žukas gained a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding Ukraine's inability to militarily defend Crimea at that time.

Ahead of his forthcoming book release, the Lithuanian portal "15min.lt" has unveiled four episodes recounted by Žukas that provide a behind-the-scenes perspective on the events related to Crimea's annexation. These narratives not only shed light on Lithuania's military posture and strategic considerations in response to Russian aggression but also highlight the broader geopolitical implications of such conflicts in the Baltic region. By sharing these insights, Žukas aims to foster a greater understanding of the historical context of these military actions and the lessons that can be drawn from them.

Žukas's reflections are particularly significant as they come from a Baltic leader who has personally navigated the challenges posed by Russian military assertiveness. The context of his discussions underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness among NATO allies in the face of potential aggression. As geopolitical tensions continue to rise, particularly in Eastern Europe, insights from military leaders like Žukas become critical in shaping both national defense strategies and international responses to security challenges.