Lithuanian general-in-chief speaks out on further aid to Ukraine — RT World News
Valdemaras Rupsys opposes handing over country’s howitzers and air defense systems to Kyiv, local media reported
Lithuania should not equip Ukraine with heavy weapons to the detriment of its own defense capabilities, Baltic state commander-in-chief Lt. Gen. Valdemaras Rupsys has reportedly said. He was speaking to reporters on Wednesday at a military proving ground near the town of Pabrade.
Reports claim he was talking about German-made PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers and American- and Norwegian-made NASAMS air defense systems in particular.
« I need tools. We can’t complete the task without the abilities, but those abilities that we have, have now reached a point where we can no longer unload,Rupsys is quoted as saying.
He also added that he would make the corresponding proposal to the leaders of the country and call on the government to seek « other means of supportfor Ukraine, as reported by the media 15min.lt and delfi.lt.
Rupsys, however, acknowledged that Vilnius could supply heavy weapons, provided it quickly replenishes its own stocks.
He quoted the Baltic nation « obligations towards NATO,explaining that Lithuania musthave…field artillery, mobile units with firepower and air defense.”
Vilnius authorities plan to hand over self-propelled howitzers and NASAMS units after receiving a request from Kyiv.
Critics, however, warned that the move would compromise Lithuania’s newly acquired defense capabilities.
Earlier this month, President Gitanas Nauseda said a decision would be taken at an upcoming meeting of Lithuania’s National Defense Council, without specifying a date.
Lithuania, like many other EU and NATO member states, has been supplying arms to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian offensive.
The Baltic state has supplied Ukraine with armored personnel carriers, demining SUVs as well as air defense systems, anti-tank weapons and mortars.
In August, Lithuanian Deputy Defense Minister Margiris Abukevicius said the country could further increase arms deliveries to Kyiv if NATO agreed to replenish its depleted stockpiles.
rt
