Warsaw among the new Lithuanian Prime Minister’s priority destinations

Warsaw and Kyiv are the first capitals chosen by the new head of the Lithuanian government as she begins her international engagement. “When I was Prime Minister for the first time, I also decided that Vilnius would be among my first international visits - these priorities truly have a long tradition,” recalled Prime Minister Donald Tusk in a joint statement. Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė proposed that the governments of Poland and Lithuania resume joint cabinet meetings in view of the tense geopolitical situation. Poland and Lithuania today are linked not only by a long common history but also by geostrategic interests and close bilateral cooperation.

Shared threats and joint action for security

Strengthening security in the face of Russia’s war against Ukraine - and an increasing number of Russian provocations in our region - is a priority for both governments. “Coordination between Poland and Lithuania - particularly regarding current and possible future provocations from Russia, and our cooperation in NATO, bilaterally and in wider formats - is absolutely essential. Our countries are among those most exposed to direct Russian provocations,” stressed the Prime Minister. The geopolitical situation requires greater effort in defence. The East Shield and the Baltic Defence Line (in the latter, Lithuania plays a leading role) are key projects from a security perspective. Their recognition by the European Union as priority projects is a success for Poland and Lithuania.

Leaders on the war in Ukraine: Ukraine is not in a losing position

The heads of government also discussed the current situation in Ukraine. The Lithuanian Prime Minister informed Donald Tusk of the outcome of her talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “Anyone who claims that Ukraine must lose this war is either acting in bad faith or does not know what they are talking about… With our support and with its own heroism, Ukraine is certainly not in a losing position. It is in our interest that Ukraine’s defence be effective and end in a just peace and the preservation of an independent Ukrainian state,” said the Prime Minister. Poland values Lithuania’s support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression; from the first days of the war both countries have provided comprehensive assistance.

Combating illegal migration

The head of the Polish government announced joint Polish–Lithuanian measures to eliminate threats related to illegal migration. “We are fully aware of the seriousness of this problem and we are ready to cooperate. We will act in every possible way to eliminate the threat posed by illegal migration,” he said. On 7 July 2025 Poland reinstated controls on the Polish–Lithuanian border. The Prime Minister underlined the mutual understanding that this step targets illegal migration engineered by the Lukashenko and Putin regimes, and is not a sign of any tension between Poland and Lithuania.

Talks on the Polish minority in Lithuania

Today’s meeting also covered the situation of the Polish minority in Lithuania. “I know the Prime Minister has a strong understanding of these issues. We care deeply about the symmetrical, equal treatment of our minorities and I believe we can discuss this calmly and without emotion,” said Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Poland expects the new Lithuanian government, as a trusted ally and partner, to ensure the protection of the rights of the Polish national minority, in particular in the areas of education and the use of the Polish language.

Nord Stream 2: a project harmful to Europe’s interests

In his statement, the Prime Minister also referred to the arrest of a Ukrainian citizen, Volodymyr Z., suspected of involvement in the Nord Stream 2 explosion, who is subject to a German-issued European Arrest Warrant. “From our point of view, the only people who should be ashamed and keep silent about Nord Stream 2 are those who decided to build it,” said the Prime Minister. He recalled that successive Polish governments and politicians - a stance also shared by Lithuania - consistently opposed the project, which struck at the most vital interests of the region. The court will decide on the further course of proceedings concerning the detained Ukrainian citizen.