Durbin reiterates critical importance of historic transatlantic relationship
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, today hosted former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis and Lithuanian Ambassador to the U.S. Audra Plepyte to discuss Russia’s war in Ukraine and long term threat to the Baltic region. During the meeting, Durbin and the Lithuanian leaders spoke about the historic and continued importance of the NATO alliance and need to be clear eyed about the long term Russian threat to American and European interests.
Durbin also shared his recent resolution to honor the four American soldiers, including one Illinoisan, who were stationed in Lithuania and tragically died while on a mission to recover a vehicle immobilized during a training exercise.
“I am proud of my Lithuanian roots, and I’m grateful to have Lithuania as a strong ally in upholding democratic values and transatlantic security in the Baltic region,” said Durbin. “Today, I met with Lithuanian leaders – former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis and Lithuanian Ambassador to the U.S. Audra Plepyte – to reiterate that the United States stands with them in maintaining a strong NATO alliance, defending Ukrainian sovereignty, and pushing back against increasing Russian aggression around the region.”
A photo of the meeting is available here.
Last Congress, Durbin introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the importance of the alliance between the United States and the Baltic States.
Over the years, Durbin has introduced the Baltic Security Initiative Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation to codify the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI), which enhances and strengthens U.S. security cooperation with the Baltics amid Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine and heightened tensions with China. In Fiscal Year 2025, Durbin secured $231.5 million in funding for BSI.
In 2022, Durbin traveled to Vilnius, Lithuania, where he received the Aleksandras Stulginskis Star Award—only the second individual and first American to receive this award. It was granted to Durbin for his decades-long support of Lithuanian independence and democracy and his promotion of parliamentary values. He was in Vilnius almost three years ago on the morning Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
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