Negotiate with Russia with ‘gun on the table,’ Lithuanian defense minister says
In a recent exclusive interview with Fox News, Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė shared her personal experiences growing up under Soviet rule and the history of her family’s struggle against Russian oppression. Born in a country that was occupied by the Soviet Union for 50 years during the Cold War, Šakalienė’s family faced persecution and hardship, with her mother being born in a Siberian prison camp for the simple act of advocating for Lithuania’s freedom.
Having lived through such experiences, Šakalienė holds a deep-seated distrust of Russian President Vladimir Putin and is wary of any negotiations with Russia. She believes that the only effective way to deal with Russia is through a position of strength, echoing the sentiment of Al Capone that “the only good negotiation is when you have a gun on the table.”
With Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine now in its third year, Lithuania, a small country in Eastern Europe, finds itself in a precarious position. Sharing borders with Russia and Belarus, Šakalienė emphasized the need for increased defense spending to protect against potential Russian aggression. She commended U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s call for NATO allies to ramp up defense spending, citing the need for a strong and united front against Russian expansionism.
Despite facing economic challenges, Lithuania remains committed to boosting defense spending to ensure its security. Šakalienė highlighted the country’s efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy sources and its decision to withdraw from international agreements that limit its ability to defend itself against potential threats.
As a deeply devout Christian, Šakalienė also expressed concern over Russia’s attacks on Christian communities in Ukraine and its use of religion as a tool for political manipulation. She warned against underestimating the threat posed by Russia and emphasized the importance of recognizing the true nature of one’s enemies.
In conclusion, Šakalienė’s powerful words serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by countries like Lithuania in the face of Russian aggression. By sharing her personal story and advocating for a strong defense posture, she hopes to safeguard her country’s freedom and protect its citizens from the oppressive forces of the past.
