Lithuania's President Gitanas Nausėda and Czech President Petr Pavel visited the military base in Rukla, marking a significant moment in the partnership between Lithuania and the Czech Republic. This visit coincided with Nausėda's previous day's trip to the border with Belarus, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding security in the region. During the visit, Nausėda emphasized the importance of their collaboration as a symbol of their joint commitment to strengthening NATO's deterrence and defense capabilities on the eastern flank, particularly in the face of threats posed by Russia.

The visit underscored Lithuania's appreciation for the Czech Republic's significant contributions towards regional security. Nausėda noted that unity and solidarity among allies are crucial, especially as Russia continues to pose a major threat to Euro-Atlantic security. His comments reflect the broader concerns shared by NATO member states regarding the need for collective security measures and the importance of reliable partnerships in ensuring peace and stability in Eastern Europe.

Additionally, Nausėda expressed gratitude towards the Czech Republic for its leadership in supporting Ukraine, particularly regarding the ammunition initiative that Lithuania will join from 2024. This initiative is part of the ongoing effort by Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and other NATO allies to enhance the Alliance's capabilities, ensuring the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic region amid current geopolitical tensions.