NATO Secretary General and the Prime Minister of Lithuania discuss collective security and support for Ukraine

NATO MULTIMEDIA ACCOUNT

Download NATO’s broadcast-quality video content free of charge

Log in

No account?

Create an account

Forgot your password?

Reset password

NATO MULTIMEDIA ACCOUNT

Access NATO’s broadcast-quality video content free of charge

Create an account

First name*

Family name*

Email address*

Password*

Repeat password*

Occupation

Nationality

I accept the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

On Thursday (26 February 2026), Secretary General Mark Rutte met Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

During their meeting the leaders discussed the growing strength of NATO’s deterrence and defence posture, including how Europe is stepping up to invest more for the benefit of the whole Alliance.

The Secretary General said Lithuania was a “role model” for NATO Allies, aiming for a “record-high 5.38% of GDP on defence spending” this year. He thanked Prime Minister Ruginienė for her personal leadership and Lithuania’s role in support for Ukraine, saying: “Lithuania is also one of the top supporters of Ukraine. When measured against GDP, you are the third largest contributor of aid to Ukraine worldwide.”

Mr Rutte praised Lithuania’s contributions to NATO, from hosting NATO air policing and Forward Land Forces to fostering expertise on energy security through the NATO Centre of Excellence in Vilnius.