We have to take this challenge

« Because of the leader, I have no doubt that the US will remain in the world arena, as it is determined by objective factors, but that the EU can and should become an equal leader in the US, we will still need to work for this, » the president told reporters on Saturday.

This is how he spoke after American President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky's Disputes in the White House, Kay Kallas (Kalas), the US leadership.

“Today it has become clear that the free world needs a new leader. We Europeans have to take this challenge, ”Kallas wrote on social networks.

The White House stated that a press conference planned after the negotiations between Mr Trump and Zelensky was canceled on Friday, and the agreement on the minerals of Ukraine was not signed.

Today it has become clear that the free world needs a new leader. We Europeans have to take this challenge.

Upon arriving at the White House, the Ukrainian president, in his first meeting with the US administration and media, intensively argued with Mr Trump and Vice President JD Vance (J. D. Vansu), who accused Zelenski in his ungrateful US.

G. Nausėda hopes that negotiations between the US and Ukraine will not break

President G. Nausėda says he hopes that the emotional background will not stop the US -Ukraine negotiations.

« Nowadays, the most important thing is that the negotiations do not break, that the contacts that have been established much earlier so that they are not commented on by some additional emotional background, as both parties and both sides are interested in reaching the agreement, » the head of state told reporters on Saturday.

Later, at the presentation of the book « President Gitanas Nausėda: » from a close -up « , the head of the country said he was not surprised by such rhetoric.

Gitanas Nausėda. Photo by S. Lisauskas / BNS

“The sad thing to say is probably not surprising because we see that there is a slightly rhetoric changed. I would not like to go into the details of all this, as it is part of the negotiation process and understands that the result will be achieved, but it was only possible to move to that result in another way, ”said the head of state.

According to G. Nausėda, one should not be emphasized « one stage or another that occurs in sparks ».

According to the president, efforts will be made to complete the transaction to the end, which would dissolve the US attention to Ukraine.

« I want to emphasize that we must keep the US focus not only on Ukraine, but also in the EU, NATO, as the NATO summit is approaching and I very much hope that it will be significant and will serve as a deterrent factor for aggressive states, » the head of state said.

Earlier on Saturday, G. Nausėda urged the EU country to increase support for Ukraine and its defense funding.

On Friday after the US -Ukrainian leaders' dispute, the Lithuanian leader wrote on the social network X: « Ukraine, you will never go alone. »

More – LNK in the video:

The President hopes that Trump's rhetoric shows faith in NATO

President Nausėda said on Saturday he expected Mr Trump's rhetoric to indicate that he believes in NATO's Alliance.

« If you demand from the Allies to take an honest part of the burden, it means that the organization and your allies believe that they can do it, » the head of state said in his presentation of the biographical book.

« It gives me some optimism and I look at the upcoming NATO Summit in Hague, which will take place in June this year, » he added.

The summary of the summit promises to make decisions on the financing of the defense of the Alliance members.

« I hope the Hague will make decisions that the Kremlin will not like, » Nausėda said.

In the second term, Mr Trump is constantly pressuring the allies in Europe to strengthen the troops and increase the funds for defense.

However, more anxiety on the continent was prompted by the US administration's speeches a few weeks ago about Washington's retreat from European affairs.

Public support for greater defense funding will grow

President G. Nausėda says that public support for greater defense funding will eventually grow.

This is how he spoke in response to a public opinion survey commissioned by BNS, which showed that 5-6 % The gross domestic product is supported and not supported by a similar population.

“I think that percentage will increase every day. When we talk to you at the moment, it is already growing, ”Nausėda told reporters in Vilnius on Saturday.

The above survey was conducted in February.

G. Nausėda said that after the announcement of the goal of 5-6 percent in January, he was even lower.

« Now (support – BNS) is already in half, and in the event of geopolitical circumstances, certain trends I have no doubt that the percentage will continue to increase, » the head of state said.

According to a survey conducted by Vilmorus, the intention of the intention was 5-6 % for the intention of 2026-2030. GDP agrees 44 % and disagrees by 41.5 %. respondents.

Defense funds up to 5-6 percent. GDP is planned to be increased to develop the Army Division by 2030, not 2036-2040, as planned before.

According to officials, to speed up the development of the division, by 2030, a dozen billions of euros are needed by 2030.

G. Nausėda: Trump's statement on commitment to the Baltic States, Poland – great news

President Nausėda says that US colleagues D Trump's statement of commitment to the Baltic States and Poland is a great news, especially in the current context.

“This is a very significant saying, especially now that so much is happening and so many passions. It is very clear that we continue to follow this principle, which is a really great news for both Poland and the Baltic States, ”Nausėda told reporters in Vilnius on Saturday.

Says you should not create artificial crises on Kaliningrad Transit issue

President G. Nausėda says that artificial crisis in Kaliningrad Transit should not be needed.

« I do not know if Russia needs to be used here in this place, because we have to deal with the transit issues that are naturally formed – natural gas, human movement, commodity movement to make normal communications with Kaliningrad, » the head of state said on Saturday.

« It would be a conflict of conflict to be artificially made at this point, and the escalation of the crisis, » he added.

This year, Lithuania with Russia and the EU will be negotiated by the extension of natural gas transit to Kaliningrad through Lithuania.

Lithuanian gas transfer company Amber Grid signed a contract in force by the end of 2025 with Gazprom in late December 2015.

Until then, the contract was signed at the end of 1999.

Lithuania, except for transit to Kaliningrad, was completely interrupted by Lithuania in April 2022.