Lithuanian FM: EU must intensify pressure on Russia

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys on Monday (May 11) urged the European Union to maintain pressure on Russia, saying preparations are already underway for a 21st package of sanctions aimed at tightening economic and financial restrictions on Moscow.

Speaking in Brussels, Budrys said Russia had shown no genuine interest in a ceasefire or peace efforts, accusing President Vladimir Putin of staging “a military spectacle” during recent commemorations on Red Square instead of engaging in diplomacy, Caliber.Az reports via Lithuanian media.

“We are already putting forward new proposals for the 21st sanctions package,” Budrys told reporters, adding that the EU must continue its policy of pressure rather than easing restrictions.

He said Russia had repeatedly “mocked” ceasefire initiatives and argued that the EU should focus on strengthening its leverage rather than pursuing dialogue for its own sake.

Budrys also urged progress on EU accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, calling for the opening of all six negotiating clusters at an upcoming intergovernmental conference.

“Their presence in the EU is in our strategic interest, and action must be taken now,” he said.

According to officials and media reports, the forthcoming sanctions package is expected to target Russia’s financial sector, energy exports and dual-use goods supply chains, as well as its so-called “shadow fleet” used to bypass existing restrictions.

Further measures under discussion could also extend sanctions to additional Russian banks, defence-related companies, and entities accused of facilitating the trade of grain taken from Ukraine.

The European Union has already adopted 20 rounds of sanctions since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, targeting major sectors of its economy, including energy, banking and trade.

By Aghakazim Guliyev