This is reported by RBK-Ukraine referencing Financial Times (FT). Reports are also coming from Kontrakty.UA.
Lithuania plans to allocate between 5% to 6% of its GDP for defense starting next year and continuing at least until 2030. This, in turn, is twice the current figures.
"Of course, there is pressure (from the USA - ed.), and it is good and constructive pressure from our strategic and largest ally in NATO... We cannot ignore these signals. But this is not the only reason. It is existentially important for us to have real military capabilities here," said Kęstutis Budrys, head of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
The head of the Estonian government, Kaja Kallas, stated that her country also plans to allocate 5% of its GDP for defense. She identified the United States as a key partner in security matters and emphasized that NATO's defense spending must increase.
"We know our adversary, and I completely agree - our goal should be 5 percent," she added.
Increase in NATO Countries' Defense Spending
The current US President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged NATO member countries to enhance their own defense spending. Last year, he also threatened that he would "encourage" Russia to "do whatever it wants" with NATO members who failed to meet their financial commitments to the Alliance.
In December 2024, Trump stated that the United States might withdraw from NATO if allies do not agree to raise their defense spending.
In January, the president called on Alliance members to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP.