Lithuania’s prime minister sought to reassure fellow Nato members over the alliance's cohesion after renewed criticism from US President Donald Trump, independent Lithuanian news agency BNS and public broadcaster LRT.lt reported on April 1.

The Baltics have always pinned all their hopes on the US as the key ally for defence.

Speaking in Vilnius on April 1, Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said there was no reason to question the bloc’s unity, stressing that confidence in collective defence must be maintained.

“We must trust the Nato alliance and clearly send the message that Nato is strong,” Ruginiene told reporters at the government office, BNS and LRT.lt said.

Her remarks followed comments by Trump suggesting Washington could reconsider its membership of Nato after the alliance declined to support his military action against Iran. 

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, he described Nato as a “paper tiger” and criticised the United Kingdom, claiming it “does not even have a navy”.

Ruginiene said such rhetoric, while controversial, had had an unintended effect of pushing European countries to take defence more seriously.

“I think this is a very positive effect, finally pressing the wake-up button for Europe to see the real situation. Essentially, we should be grateful to President Trump for this effect,” she said, LRT.lt and BNS reported.

She added that security in the Baltic region continues to rely on Nato’s credibility and preparedness, noting that there are currently no concrete doubts about the alliance’s ability to defend its members.

At the same time, she acknowledged growing pressure from Washington for European states to shoulder a greater share of the burden, BNS and LRT.lt reported.