At a security forum in Vilnius, retired General Ben Hodges, former commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe, voiced concerns over Lithuania's defense policy. He emphasized that there is a distinct lack of urgency in the country's military preparedness, especially given its shared borders with Russia and Belarus. Hodges pointed out that despite the significant threat posed by Russia, Lithuania is not conducting military exercises that adequately prepare them for a potential attack, which is alarming given the current geopolitical landscape.

Hodges further noted that the urgency is not just about military readiness but extends to civil defense and infrastructure protection. He articulated that declaring a certain percentage of GDP allocation to defense, like Lithuania's planned 5.38% this year, is insufficient if the nation is not actively engaged in enhancing its overall crisis preparedness. He criticized the notion that simply meeting a numerical target would ensure national security, suggesting that it requires a more holistic approach involving the entire society.

The statements come as NATO allies, under pressure from the U.S. and facing the looming threat from Russia, have committed to bolstering their defense strategies by 2035. Hodges' comments highlight the urgency with which these nations need to reassess their defense needs, especially in light of neighborly threats, underscoring the importance of not just budgetary commitments but the actual readiness and effectiveness of defense mechanisms in place.