On Wednesday, President Gitanas Nausėda, together with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, observed the international tactical exercise Brave Griffon 2026, involving Lithuanian and Polish troops.

During the exercise, the armed forces of both countries practiced rapid and coordinated responses to potential threats in the so-called Suwałki Corridor. Now a recurring event, this exercise forms part of the Lithuanian and Polish armed forces' operational defense plan Orsha, developed for this strategically significant area.

"Lithuania and Poland are strategic partners and close allies. We are united not only by a shared history, but also by a common response to today's geopolitical challenges. Together, we share the common challenges of our neighborhood with Russia's Kaliningrad region and Belarus," the Lithuanian President said.

According to Gitanas Nausėda, the joint military exercise clearly demonstrates that Lithuania and Poland are strengthening their own security-and that of NATO's entire eastern flank-through concrete action rather than rhetoric.

"Joint exercises in the Suwałki Corridor enhance the interoperability of our armed forces, refine joint response procedures to the point of automatism, and demonstrate our determination to deter any potential aggression. It is no coincidence that the defense plan for this strategically important area is called the Orsha Plan. Just as in Orsha in the past, Lithuanian and Polish soldiers stand ready today to act together to stop an enemy from the East," the Head of State said.

During their bilateral meeting, the two Presidents discussed strengthening regional defense and security, military and political support for Ukraine, and priorities for the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. They agreed that Lithuania and Poland share the goal of preserving and reaffirming transatlantic unity as the foundation of the Alliance.

The President also informed his Polish counterpart about the law adopted by the Seimas to establish the Kapčiamiestis Training Area, expressed gratitude for Poland's support, and reaffirmed that the training area would be open for joint exercises involving Lithuanian and Polish forces.

The Presidents further discussed the idea of a joint Suwałki-Lazdijai Free Economic Zone. Such a zone could focus primarily on developing the defense industry and dual-use technologies, serving as a catalyst for future joint defense projects.

"History and our nations' shared struggle for freedom mean that, in this tense period, Lithuania and Poland can rely on one another and, through shared efforts and joint forces, ensure security and preserve peace in the region. This is exactly what the people of Lithuania and Poland need today," Gitanas Nausėda emphasized.