In an interview with the Financial Times, Šimonytė revealed that she has secured the necessary parliamentary authorization for such a mission.
Despite potential provocations, the Prime Minister emphasized Lithuania's commitment to support Ukraine, dismissing concerns about Russia's reaction to the deployment. "If we were just thinking about Russia's response, we wouldn't be able to send anything. Every other week you hear that someone is going to be nuked," she stated, also doubting the likelihood of Russia using nuclear weapons due to the risk of radioactive fallout affecting its own territory.
Moreover, Šimonytė addressed the sensitive issue of Ukrainian men of mobilization age residing in Lithuania. She assured that Lithuania does not intend to seek out or deport those avoiding mobilization, although she noted that permanent residency might be denied to those proven to be dodging conscription.
This announcement aligns with Lithuania's President Gitanas Nausėda's support for a training mission in Ukraine, although there is skepticism about the EU's ability to unify on this matter. Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron outlined conditions for the potential deployment of ground troops to Ukraine, highlighting the complexity and sensitivity of military support within the EU.
