Lithuania calls for firmer EU action as next Russia sanctions approach

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys has expressed hope that the European Union’s upcoming 20th sanctions package targeting Russia will be “ambitious”, as the bloc moves toward adopting a new set of measures later this month.

Budrys said the European Union must step up pressure on Moscow, arguing that in some respects the United States has taken a tougher stance, Caliber.Az reports, citing Lithuanian media.

“Paradoxically, despite all the criticism and disappointment directed at the United States, they are doing more than the European Union in terms of sanctions against Russia,” Budrys stressed, noting that he hoped that the 20th package, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the war, would finally be ambitious, rather than simply marking time.

When asked how peace could be achieved, he stated Lithuania’s stance was clear: “Let us impose sanctions.”

He maintained that both direct actions and secondary sanctions targeting countries still trading with Russia could disrupt decision-making within the Kremlin.

“It is not Ukraine that should be pressured here,” FM emphasised. “Ukrainians have already done everything they possibly can. They are open, they are engaging, and they are negotiating in Abu Dhabi. Let us pressure President Putin.”

Budrys accused Russia of trying to gain a military edge during the winter by striking civilian infrastructure and committing war crimes.

He added that Moscow aimed to weaken Ukraine by cutting off heating and electricity, portraying the country as powerless to imply that Russia held the upper hand in negotiations.

By Jeyhun Aghazada