During his recent visit to Lithuania, Polish President Andrzej Duda, alongside Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, showcased the military readiness of their forces at the “Brave Griffin” military exercises. The maneuvers, held in the region near Olita, emphasized the strategic importance of the Suwalki Gap—a vital corridor linking Poland and Lithuania along the eastern flank of NATO.
President Duda’s visit underlines the strong military cooperation between Poland and Lithuania, set against the backdrop of ongoing hybrid threats from Belarus, as mentioned by President Duda. “Since 2021, we have witnessed hybrid attacks on the Polish and Lithuanian borders,” he stated, highlighting the exercises as a crucial test of the defensive capabilities of both nations.
The exercises involved 1,500 soldiers and nearly 200 military units, including contributions from U.S. and Portuguese forces, underscoring the international support for the region’s security. The “Brave Griffin” exercises not only prepare the troops for potential conflicts but also serve as a deterrent to adversaries.
President Nauseda praised Poland’s commitment to security, noting Poland’s expenditure of 4% of its GDP on defense—a figure that has sparked debate in Lithuania as well. “We admire Poland as an example of a country prioritizing security,” Nauseda commented.
In addition to their participation in the military drills, both presidents attended the “The Idea of Europe Forum” at Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas. The forum, marking the 20th anniversary of Poland and nine other countries joining the EU, focuses on security issues crucial to the region.