Lithuanian President slams broken promise on tough sanctions against Russia
Photo: Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda (Getty Images)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, together with the leaders of France and the United Kingdom, promised to impose tough sanctions on Russia if it did not agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine. But he did not keep the promise, thereby undermining trust in Europe, believes Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, according to Bild.
"This is a problem. And it affects not only trust in our sanctions but also trust in all our measures toward Russia and our support for Ukraine. We have repeatedly announced that we will support Ukraine and supply fighter jets, long-range missiles, and ammunition. But we are unable to fulfill these promises," Nausėda said in an interview with Bild.
According to him, the sanctions that have already been imposed on Russia since February 2022 have not had the effect the West expected. First, the sanctions were not decisive enough, and second, third countries are helping Russia to circumvent them.
"That is why the Russian economy, although not in the best condition, still functions relatively well under these circumstances," the Lithuanian leader said.
Currently, the European Union is preparing its 18th package of sanctions against Russia, and Lithuania is demanding that it "resemble a Molotov cocktail." As Nausėda said, it means the package must include all energy companies that supply money to the Russian state budget: Nord Stream, Rosatom, Gazprom, Lukoil.
"The remaining Russian banks must also be excluded from the SWIFT system, as well as the rest of the shadow fleet vessels. Otherwise, we will be seen as weak and perceived as if Europe is unwilling to make bold decisions," he stressed.
Sanctions against Russia
During a visit to Kyiv in May, the leaders of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom gave Russia a deadline to agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine. In the event of non-compliance, the countries threatened to impose tough sanctions.
The final day for agreeing to a ceasefire was Monday, May 12. Moscow did not comply with this demand, but Germany has yet to impose punitive measures.
At the beginning of June, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius once again announced the upcoming tough sanctions against Russia.
