Top Lithuanian leaders to discuss strengthening of international security

VILNIUS - Lithuania's top political leaders will meet at the Presidential Palace on Friday to discuss the strengthening of Lithuania's international security, continued support for Ukraine, and European security and defense industry initiatives.

The meeting on foreign and security policy is expected to be attended by Saulius Skvernelis, the speaker of the Seimas, and Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas.

Also taking part will be Remigijus Motuzas and Rasa Budbergyte, chairpersons of the parliamentary Committees on Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys, a deputy defense minister, and leaders of parliamentary parties.

President Gitanas Nauseda has convened the meeting as Lithuania looks for ways to fund defense spending of between 5 and 6 percent of GDP - or around 12 billion euros - over the next five years, and continues to search for a site for a new military training area.

The meeting also follows a report by US broadcaster NBC that the Pentagon is considering pulling around 10,000 troops out of Eastern Europe. According to media sources, the troops could be withdrawn from Poland and Romania.

Lithuania's defense and foreign ministers have said that the United States is likely to review its military presence in Europe, but stressed that they see no signs of potential changes to troop deployments on NATO's eastern flank.

The discussion comes amid intensified Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks, despite ceasefire talks involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia.