(ANSA) - TRIESTE, 12 APR - Lithuania will increase military spending after hitting Nato's recommended level of 2% of economic output in the next two years, Reuters said. "We are a Nato member but we are also responsible for our security ourselves," finance minister Vilius Sapoka told, adding that "next year we will already reach 2% of Gdp (in terms of military spending). I think we will keep gradually increasing that number".

In the last days, the annual threat assessment by Lithuania's intelligence service affirmed that Russia has developed the capability to launch an attack on the Baltic states with as little as 24 hours' notice, limiting Nato's options to respond other than to have military forces already deployed in the region. It affirmed that Russia had upgraded its military in the Kaliningrad region last year, reducing lead times for any attack and potentially preventing Nato reinforcements. (ANSA).