Lithuania Calls on EU to Approve Ambitious New Sanctions Against Russia
Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys stressed that the EU needs to increase pressure on Moscow, noting that the United States has taken a comparatively “tougher” stance in some areas.
“Paradoxically, despite all the criticism and disappointment directed at the United States, they are doing more than the European Union in terms of sanctions against Russia,” Budrys told public broadcaster.
He expressed hope that the upcoming package, timed to coincide with the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, would be substantive rather than symbolic. “I hope that this 20th package, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the war, will finally be ambitious, rather than simply marking time,” he said.
On achieving peace, Budrys emphasized Lithuania’s position: “Let us impose sanctions.” He added that both direct measures and secondary sanctions targeting countries continuing trade with Russia “could destabilize Kremlin decision-making.”
“It is not Ukraine that should be pressured here. Ukrainians have already done everything they possibly can. They are open, they are engaging and they are negotiating in Abu Dhabi. Let us pressure President Putin,” he said.
The second round of US-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi concluded Thursday, resulting in another prisoner-of-war exchange.
Since the start of the conflict in February 2022, the EU has implemented 19 rounds of sanctions against Russia. The bloc’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said the 20th package is expected to be approved on February 24, marking the fourth anniversary of the war.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
