Deployment of European troops and more: Lithuania outlines security guarantees for Ukraine
Photo: Kęstutis Budrys, Lithuanian Foreign Minister (Getty Images)
Lithuania has proposed five security guarantees that should be provided to Ukraine. In particular, this includes the deployment of European troops, states Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys.
He stated that the first security guarantee is long-term support for Ukraine from the European Union. In particular, this year, "€40 billion as the minimum."
"The second element, that's the European troops in Ukraine with U.S. backing. We see this as the needed element," the minister added.
According to him, the third element is maintaining pressure on Russia through sanctions. Budrys also proposes seizing Russia’s frozen assets.
The fourth guarantee is ensuring legal accountability for Russia. The aggressor country must also compensate for the damages.
Budrys added that the fifth potential guarantee for Ukraine could be its accelerated accession to the EU. Brussels believes this could be achieved as early as 2030.
Security guarantees for Ukraine
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined two options for security guarantees. The first is Ukraine's NATO membership. According to the head of state, this is the "cheapest" option for the West.
However, the United States currently opposes Ukraine’s NATO membership, as previously stated by former President Donald Trump.
The second option is a significant strengthening of the Ukrainian army. This includes increasing the number of soldiers and sending additional military aid.
