'I don't see the light in the end of the tunnel': Lithuanian president on end of Ukraine war
Photo: Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda (Getty Images)
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda sees no reason to be optimistic about ending the war in Ukraine any time soon. At the European Council meeting in Brussels, he said that Russia is only imitating the peace process.
“I hope there will be a resolution of the war in Ukraine until the next multiannual financial framework. But now, I am not a big optimist,” he said.
The Lithuanian leader explained his position by saying that Russia was only imitating the peace process and Moscow does not demonstrate a real desire to move forward.
“I don't see the light in the end of the tunnel. This is because of Russia's unwillingness to proceed because Russia is pretending and imitating the negotiations,” he said.
Nausėda added that a ceasefire is a key condition to start peace talks, but this is not the case now. Therefore, he emphasized, the response should be unequivocal.
“We have to impose the 18th package of sanctions. In my view, this package is good, strong, and sufficient. But, of course, it would be good to avoid any exemptions and softening of this package,” he emphasized.
Nausėda also stressed the importance of transatlantic unity. He supported the initiative to involve third countries in European defense procurement schemes.
Speaking about Ukraine's future in the EU, Nausėda called for speeding up the negotiation process and avoiding double standards.
“It’s not good if we see a selected approach towards some countries that are aspiring for EU membership. I am talking about Moldova and Ukraine. Both countries are putting a lot of effort and doing quite well in implementing the reforms, but unfortunately, due to some bilateral obstacles, Ukraine cannot open the first cluster of negotiations,” the president said.
He believes that this cluster should be opened as soon as possible, and all the others should be opened by the end of the year.
“It is productive to set a political target. For example, to see Ukraine as a member of the European Union as of January 1st of 2030,” he shared his vision, adding that "it's tough, but at the same time, it's motivating.”
Yesterday, on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys made a statement. He emphasized that after the end of the war in the Middle East, it is time to focus efforts on ending the war in Ukraine and urgently increase pressure on Russia. In particular, NATO allies should adopt the 18th package of sanctions against the Kremlin as soon as possible.
Today, June 26, the European Union may introduce a new, 18th package of sanctions against Russia to force the Kremlin to peace talks with Ukraine.
