By 
On April 24, 2025, at the Lithuanian Consulate General in New York, Giedrimas Jeglinskas, Chair of the Seimas National Security and Defense Committee, addressed a full audience on Lithuania’s defense priorities, its evolving role in international security, and the importance of societal resilience in the face of geopolitical uncertainty.
A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, with further studies at Georgetown University and Columbia Business School, Jeglinskas brings a rare combination of military, diplomatic, and economic experience to his role. Having previously served as Lithuania’s Vice Minister of National Defense and a NATO Assistant Secretary General, he returned to New York—where his career began—with a clear mission: to communicate Lithuania’s strategic resolve and readiness.
About Giedrimas Jeglinskas
Giedrimas Jeglinskas is a distinguished Lithuanian public servant with deep roots in transatlantic defense and diplomacy. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and holds advanced degrees from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and Columbia Business School. His career spans service in the Lithuanian Armed Forces, a term as Vice Minister of National Defense, and senior leadership at NATO, where he served as Assistant Secretary General for Executive Management. Fluent in multiple languages and with a background in international finance, Jeglinskas brings a global perspective and pragmatic approach to national security policy.
“Deterrence transcends mere weaponry; it embodies a collective responsibility. It necessitates strong institutions, resilient infrastructure, and, above all, an unwavering societal will.”, Jeglinskas stated
Strategic Partners, Complex Challenges
Despite frequent shifts in global leadership, Lithuania continues to view the United States as its most critical strategic ally. “When America is strong, we are stronger,” he emphasized. While Lithuania maintains essential regional partnerships with Latvia, Poland, and increasingly Sweden, the U.S. remains the linchpin of deterrence.
Jeglinskas pointed out that Lithuania has followed through on its responsibilities—investing in advanced weapons systems, modernizing military logistics, and developing infrastructure that supports the permanent deployment of allied forces. The stationing of a U.S. battalion in Lithuania, first negotiated under the Trump administration, was described as a turning point.
The upcoming deployment of a full German brigade—5,000 troops set to be based in Rūdninkai—represents another strategic leap. More than €1.5 billion will be invested in base infrastructure, training grounds, and support facilities, with the goal of achieving full operational readiness by 2027. “This is not a symbolic gesture; it is about establishing credible and robust deterrence,” Jeglinskas affirmed.
Ukraine: The Litmus Test of Security
Lithuania’s defense doctrine is deeply connected to Ukraine’s future. Jeglinskas called Ukraine the “litmus test” for European security, arguing that its success or failure will shape the continent’s stability for decades.
“We must exert every possible effort to ensure Ukraine’s victory—not only in the immediate conflict but also in securing a lasting and just peace thereafter,” he declared. That means providing political, military, and economic support, and recognizing Ukraine’s right to determine the terms of any eventual peace settlement.
He acknowledged the complexity of ongoing negotiations, hinting at backchannel diplomacy and unverified reports from Kremlin sources. “We are closer to a resolution than six months ago,” he acknowledged, “but a durable peace is still uncertain.”
Jeglinskas voiced profound concern regarding Russia’s persistent endeavors to manipulate international narratives and undermine the crucial unity of the Western alliance. He emphasized that genuine and lasting peace will only materialize when Ukraine possesses sufficient leverage to negotiate from a position of strength—a condition that necessitates an augmented supply of advanced weaponry, cutting-edge technology, and sustained support from allies.
Three Pillars of National Security
Lithuania’s strategy is grounded in a threefold approach:
- National Defense Capacity: The establishment of a Lithuanian division by 2030 is a national priority. Beyond personnel, this includes integrated air defense, advanced logistics, and cyber defense infrastructure. Defense spending is projected to rise to 6% of GDP. “We must render military service an attractive prospect—offering competitive salaries, clearly defined career pathways, and robust societal support,” he noted, highlighting the importance of human capital.
- Allied Presence: Lithuania’s strategic objective is to normalize the permanent stationing of allied forces on its territory. “Just as the presence of American troops in states like Texas or California is considered routine, so too should their presence become in Lithuania,” Jeglinskas said. NATO deployments signal to adversaries that Lithuania is not alone.
- Civic Engagement and Education: Recognizing that national security extends beyond the military domain, Jeglinskas underscored the critical need for widespread civic readiness. He advocated for national service programs, mandatory basic military training for young citizens, and the seamless integration of defense-related themes into the national school curriculum, commencing as early as the sixth grade. “Defense commences with education—cultivating teamwork, spatial orientation, and problem-solving skills—these attributes are as vital as any weapon system in ensuring national resilience.” His vision extends to a model by 2030 where every young Lithuanian completes a period of military service as a formative rite of passage, acquiring valuable leadership and technical skills in the process.
Ukraine and the European Future
Lithuania remains one of Ukraine’s strongest advocates in its bid to join NATO and the European Union. Jeglinskas called for a faster, clearer integration path. “The time for decisive action is now. Any further delays will only serve to embolden those who actively oppose European unity and stability.”
He acknowledged the inherent complexities of the accession process, particularly the requirement for unanimous consent among all EU member states—some of whom continue to pose obstacles. Nevertheless, he emphatically stressed the importance of commencing accession negotiations without further delay and embedding Ukraine firmly within the European framework.
He dismissed criticisms about Ukraine’s democratic processes amidst the ongoing conflict: “It is unrealistic to expect a nation under siege to conduct routine elections. The very foundation of democracy—its survival—must take precedence.“
A Global Network of Support
In his closing remarks, Jeglinskas powerfully underscored the indispensable role played by Lithuania’s global diaspora. While not every citizen may bear arms, every individual possesses a vital role to play—whether in the realm of diplomacy, technology, medicine, logistics, or education.
He encouraged active engagement at every conceivable level: advocating for Lithuania’s interests on the political stage, providing financial support to key initiatives, participating in national defense programs, and fostering deeper cultural connections. “Security is not solely about defending geographical borders; it is fundamentally about reinforcing our shared identity, upholding our core values, and strengthening our collective sense of purpose.”
Drawing upon his own extensive experience of living abroad for sixteen years, he poignantly added: “The greater the physical distance from Lithuania, the more acutely one perceives the profound significance of what it means to be Lithuanian. These connections are not abstract; they are vital. Our national resilience is intrinsically dependent upon them.”
In an increasingly fragile and unpredictable international order, Lithuania is transmitting a clear and resolute message—one not of apprehension, but of unwavering determination. By strategically leveraging its alliances, investing in the capabilities of its people, and standing firm in its convictions, this Baltic nation asserts its profound belief that even smaller countries, when united in purpose and adequately prepared, can play a decisive role in shaping a more secure and peaceful future.
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