“We must jointly strive to achieve the goals of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration as soon as possible,” the country’s leader was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Presidency.
The leaders of Lithuania and Poland, who met at the Krynica Security and Economic Forum, discussed the implementation of the decisions of the Vilnius NATO summit, the security situation in the region, and issues of bilateral cooperation.
The President emphasized that the Vilnius NATO summit and its decisions “demonstrated the unity and concentration of the transatlantic community to defend the values of the free world, strengthen the security of the Euro-Atlantic space and the desire to support Ukraine until victory”.
The President noted that the decisions made in Vilnius regarding ensuring the security of NATO’s Eastern flank are no less important – the new generation regional NATO defense plans, the strengthening of air and anti-missile defense, primarily focusing on the implementation of the rotary model in the region, are approved.
“Although the achieved plans are very important, they in themselves do not deter the aggressor – we must continue to work together systematically, aiming for the fastest possible implementation of these plans and their effective functioning,” said the head of the country.
As reported by the Presidency, in the discussion about the role of Polish-Lithuanian cooperation in the security architecture of the region in the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine, the country’s leader noted that both countries, without waiting for anything and without hesitation, began to provide comprehensive – financial, military, humanitarian – support to Ukraine since the beginning of the war.
“Our courageous and joint action in international politics contributed significantly to many important processes: the introduction of the EU sanctions regime against Russia and Belarus, the freezing of Russian oligarchs and state assets, the securing of Ukraine’s financing through EU instruments, the abandonment of Russian energy sources. “Lithuania and Poland will continue to work together to hold Russia accountable for war and aggression crimes,” the president said.
According to the head of the country, the main goal now is to continue providing Ukraine with the kind of support it needs and for as long as it takes. “The partnership of Lithuania and Poland in supporting Ukraine has never wavered until victory, we will continue to listen to it, we will not allow the aggressor to dictate his rules,” said the president.
At the previous meeting, the presidents also discussed the countries’ common positions regarding the start of negotiations for Ukraine’s EU membership already this year, the use of frozen Russian public and private assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine, the strengthening of sanctions against Russia and Belarus and the blocking of ways to circumvent them.
The presidents agreed to continue to push for the establishment of a Special International Tribunal that could hold Russia accountable for crimes of war and aggression.
The leaders of Lithuania and Poland also discussed bilateral economic cooperation and joint infrastructure projects. According to the President, it is necessary to speed up the implementation of the “Rail Baltica” project, which will create a railway connection between the Baltic States and Poland and the entire EU, as well as help strengthen the European North-South transport axis and contribute to ensuring military mobility.
The Economic Forum has been held in Krynica for more than two decades. This event, informally known as the Eastern European Davos Forum, brings together the business and political leaders of Central and Eastern Europe every year. It usually takes place in early September.
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**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Anna Petrova on NATO’s Support for Ukraine**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Petrova. As NATO approaches its 75th anniversary, there’s a significant focus on discussions about Ukraine’s defense. What are your thoughts on the key messages coming out of recent diplomatic meetings?
**Dr. Petrova**: Thank you for having me. Indeed, the discussions surrounding Ukraine’s defense at NATO, especially during such a momentous anniversary, send a powerful signal regarding the alliance’s unity and commitment. Ukrainian leadership has emphasized their intention for expedited Euro-Atlantic integration, which underscores their urgent need for support against aggression.
**Interviewer**: The leaders of Lithuania and Poland have also highlighted the significance of the decisions made at the Vilnius NATO summit. Could you elaborate on those decisions and their implications for regional security?
**Dr. Petrova**: Absolutely. The Vilnius NATO summit has been pivotal, especially regarding the security of NATO’s Eastern flank. The introduction of new regional defense plans and enhancements to air and missile defense systems signals a robust commitment to deterrence. However, as the President of Ukraine pointed out, these plans must be implemented effectively and continuously to truly deter aggressors like Russia.
**Interviewer**: The concept of joint cooperation between Poland and Lithuania in supporting Ukraine comes up often. What impact do you think this bilateral relationship has on the broader security landscape in Europe?
**Dr. Petrova**: The cooperation between Poland and Lithuania is crucial. Since the war began, their swift actions in providing comprehensive support to Ukraine—financial, military, and humanitarian—demonstrate a readiness to respond to threats collectively. Their joint initiatives have not only bolstered Ukraine but also set a precedent for rapid collective action within the EU, particularly regarding sanctions against Russia.
**Interviewer**: Some analysts also mention NATO’s need to hold Russia accountable. How do you envision that happening, considering the complexities involved?
**Dr. Petrova**: Holding Russia accountable for its aggression will involve a multifaceted approach. The measures include maintaining sanctions, ensuring continued military support for Ukraine, and possibly pursuing legal avenues for war crimes. The strong diplomatic stance taken by the Baltic states and Poland can pave the way for a larger coalition to address these issues, reinforcing the idea that aggression will not go unpunished.
**Interviewer**: The conversation about Ukraine’s EU membership is also gaining traction. What role does NATO play in facilitating this process?
**Dr. Petrova**: NATO’s role is fundamentally about security, but stability and security are also prerequisites for EU membership. The stronger NATO’s support for Ukraine is, the more confident EU members will feel about moving forward with membership talks. The geopolitical landscape is incredibly interwoven, and military support from NATO can bolster Ukraine’s case for EU integration by demonstrating readiness for the obligations that come with it.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for sharing your insights on these critical issues facing NATO and Ukraine.
**Dr. Petrova**: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these pressing matters. The decisions we make now will shape the future of both Ukraine and the security architecture of Europe.
