Securing an end to the fighting in Ukraine must take place with Kyiv's full involvement and come with more defense spending by regional countries to avoid any future Russian aggression, according to Lithuania's president.

Kęstutis Budrys, Lithuania’s foreign minister, told the Financial Times that Europe was facing a “new era” after the Baltic state, which is next to Russia, said it would spend between 5 per cent and 6 per cent of its GDP on defence from next year until at least 2030. That is about double the current level.

Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys reportedly described the shift as part of a "new era. " Vilnius committed to spending between 5% and 6% of its GDP on defense annually until at least 2030.

Difficult times require bold decisions [and] leadership. We call on our allies to follow this lead,” says Baltic nation’s Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that NATO and the European Union should increase defense spending. This is due to the threat from the Russian shadow navy, Tagesschau reports. According to Scholz, European NATO and EU countries should continue to increase their defense spending.