Lithuania appoints Sinkevicius prime ministerSinkevicius prime minister with defence and US troop pledge

Lithuania's parliament voted Tuesday to appoint Mindaugas Sinkevicius as prime minister, approving his government manifesto that includes defense spending above 5% of GDP and a continued push for US troops as a deterrent against Russia.

Sinkevicius also pledged sustained support for Ukraine amid his warning that the Russian military threat remains persistent rather than subsiding. This appointment matters as it solidifies Lithuania's NATO-aligned defense posture and ensures continued Western backing for Ukraine in the face of ongoing regional tensions.