The Vilnius Security Forum emphasizes readiness as the key to deterring conflict, with discussions focusing on hybrid warfare and current threats from Russia and Belarus.
At the Vilnius Security Forum 2026, held at the Seimas, former U.S. Army Europe Commander Ben Hodges articulated that demonstrating military readiness is paramount in deterring war. He stressed the importance of a robust defense strategy, particularly for Lithuania, which shares borders with potentially hostile nations. Hodges emphasized that a comprehensive defense approach involving the entire society is necessary to ensure national security.
Finnish Interior Ministry Chancellor Mattis Sarasmaa echoed these sentiments, asserting that the time for merely discussing what hybrid warfare entails is over. He underscored the necessity of addressing concrete threats faced by countries bordering Russia and Belarus, underscoring the shift towards identifying and mitigating specific dangers rather than engaging in abstract discussions about defense frameworks.
The discussions at the forum reflect growing concerns about regional security, particularly in light of the current geopolitical climate. Both Hodges and Sarasmaa's statements highlight a renewed urgency for countries like Lithuania to strengthen their defensive postures and enhance military cooperation among allies, aiming for a united front against any aggressive actions by neighboring states.
