Kestutis Budrys, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda’s chief national security adviser, has urged caution in public comments about the transfer of weapons and military equipment to Ukraine.
Budrys was commenting on a recent statement by Defence Chief Valdemaras Rupsys that he would suggest at the next meeting of the country’s State Defence Council not to hand over PzH 2000 howitzers and NASAMS air defence systems to Ukraine.
“It is the duty of all public communicators to take certain circumstances and possible repercussions into account, especially when it comes to foreign and defence policy and our relations with allies,” Budrys said.
“Words should be carefully weighed. I have looked at the headlines today, and everyone – from neighbours to hostile propaganda – has picked up this remark,” he added.
According to the presidential adviser, the State Defence Council has asked for military advice from the Defence Ministry and the defence chief.
“Military advice is a reasoned assessment based on military expertise and analysis, with some alternatives looked into,” Budrys said. “We have seen no military advice yet.”
Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said he was surprised that the issue of transferring weapons to Ukraine was being discussed in public.
Vilnius is considering sending howitzers and air defence systems to Ukraine following Kyiv’s request. However, critics say the transfer of these weapons would erode Lithuania’s recently acquired capabilities. (LRT/Business World Magazine)