PoliticsEuropeLithuanian minister: No substitute to US presence in Europe 16:37This browser does not support the video element.PoliticsEuropeRosie Birchard02/24/2025February 24, 2025Asked about Friedrich Merz' pledge to pursue independence from the US, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys told DW there is "no substitute" to a US defensive presence in Europe. He warned a ceasefire in Ukraine would be a "trap."Copy linkAdvertisement