Making constant threats to slap tough sanctions on Russia and never doing it is undermining the credibility of Ukrainian backers, insists Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda.
Asked by the German newspaper Bild whether Chancellor Friedrich Merz had undermined Europe’s credibility by threatening sanctions that were never imposed, Nausėda said: “Of course.”
“This is a problem,” he continued. “It negatively affects not only the credibility of our sanctions but also that of other measures aimed at Russia and support for Ukraine.”
“We have repeatedly declared that we would support Ukraine and supply it with fighter jets, long-range missiles and ammunition. But we have failed to keep these promises,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Lithuanian president pointed to the Baltic and Nordic countries as examples of firm support for Ukraine.
“In this respect, the Baltic and Nordic countries are probably a good example of how strong political will can translate into support for Ukraine. Ukrainians need equipment and ammunition now – not tomorrow,” he said.
In May, European Union leaders hoped to reach an agreement with the United States on a new round of tough sanctions on Moscow which had been rejecting calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
US lawmakers have also been stepping up calls to increase sanctions pressure. However, President Donald Trump is holding off, saying he does not want to jeopardise talks between Moscow and Kyiv.
The US leader has also expressed his displeasure with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s outspokenness.
The EU adopted its 17th Russia sanctions package in May but some member states are already pushing for a new round of measures.
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