Nauseda to Lithuanian troops: I will do everything to avoid seeing you on battlefield

VILNIUS – President Gitanas Nauseda, sworn in for a second term, on Friday addressed Lithuanian soldiers in the Cathedral Square, vowing to do his best to ensure that they do not have to be involved in real military action.

“I will do everything I can to avoid seeing you on the decisive battlefield,” the state leader said.

He stressed that in the first five years of his presidency he had become more familiar not only with “the front side of the service, but also with its everyday elements”.

“Now I understand even better what you are going through and the great responsibility each of you bear,” the president said.

“I have just returned from the NATO Summit in Washington and I can tell you that Lithuania has many powerful allies and loyal friends who are stronger than any aggressor,” he added.

Vowing to continue efforts to build a welfare state and combat social exclusion, the 60-year-old economist was re-elected president in May after defeating Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte in the run-off.

He will serve as president until 2029.