Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė criticized Russia for disrespecting US efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, claiming they are mobilizing 1.5 million students for war. She emphasized that Russia has no incentive to stop its military campaign in Ukraine and is rapidly reforming its armed forces. Šakalienė discussed NATO's military exercises and the need for military strength to deter Russia's imperialistic ambitions, while calling US efforts to stop the war 'worthwhile'.