Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene has resigned following a prolonged conflict with Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene over the nation’s military budget. The dispute arose after an off-the-record meeting on October 14, where Defense Ministry officials reportedly urged journalists to push the government to allocate 5% of Lithuania’s GDP to defense, aligning with NATO requirements. Ruginiene accused the meeting of “sabotage” and stated she no longer trusted Sakaliene.
Sakaliene cited “fundamental differences” in a Facebook post, noting failed attempts to reconcile with Ruginienne over the 2026 defense budget. “A month ago, I hoped for collaboration, but it proved impossible,” she wrote. Meanwhile, Lithuania’s government approved a record €4.79 billion ($5.6 billion) defense budget—equivalent to 5.38% of GDP—in response to NATO’s calls for increased military spending. The plan will face parliamentary review later this year.
European NATO members, under pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump, pledged to meet the 5% GDP target. EU nations have also expanded military investments, citing alleged threats from Russia, which Moscow rejects as “nonsense” and “reckless militarization.” Lithuania, alongside Latvia and Estonia, has maintained a tough stance against Moscow since the 2022 Ukraine conflict escalated.