Lithuanian FM expresses skepticism over renewed dialogue with Russia

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys has expressed doubts about proposals from several European capitals to resume dialogue with Russia, arguing that past negotiations with Moscow have produced no tangible results.

Budrys suggested that returning to talks could create the false impression that either side could influence the behaviour of the Russian government. He noted that similar negotiations before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 had been ineffective and warned that repeating such efforts now could lead to the same, or even worse, outcomes, Caliber.Az reports per Lithuanian media. 

According to Budrys, the current priority should not be dialogue, but rather a consistent increase in pressure on Russia using all available tools within the European Union. He emphasised that any negotiations should be backed by instruments of power, pointing to the EU’s 20th package of sanctions and measures to hold Russia’s political leadership fully accountable for their actions.

The minister concluded that resuming dialogue at this stage would be a mistake, arguing that pressure should be applied to compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire, rather than relying solely on talks.

By Sabina Mammadli