Lithuania is set to allocate 30 million euros for the PURL initiative to procure military equipment for Ukraine while awaiting the formation of a new aid package from allies. This was stated by Lithuania's Minister of Defense, Arvydas Anušauskas, before the NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels.
«We are ready to transfer 30 million euros for PURL and can do so today if necessary. We hope that the new aid package will be formed as quickly as possible», - emphasized Anušauskas.
Regarding the potential supply of American missiles to Ukraine, the Lithuanian official noted that Russia has always created strategic dilemmas for its allies, but now it is time to create similar dilemmas for Moscow.
«A strategic dilemma is not just about causing retaliation; it is about inflicting pain. And as long as Russia does not feel the consequences of its aggressive war, it will continue to try to strengthen its military power», - Anušauskas is convinced.
He also pointed out that the Russian economy is facing significant challenges. The portion of the federal budget allocated to military needs is unacceptable for any normal democratic country, yet Russia continues to receive cash flow through other nations, supporting its military actions.
«Therefore, secondary sanctions must be comprehensive», - the Lithuanian Defense Minister concluded.