Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda says only sustained international pressure can alter Russia’s behaviour and help bring an end to the invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking in New York at a joint meeting with UN Secretary General António Guterres and the leaders of the other two Baltic states, Nausėda urged allies to maintain military and political pressure on Moscow.
“Only greater military support for Ukraine and stronger international pressure on Russia can stop its reckless behaviour,” he said.
He underlined that all three Baltic nations are committed to providing Ukraine with at least 0.25% of their GDP each year, while the EU’s forthcoming 19th sanctions package will focus on Russia’s oil and gas revenues.
The Baltic leaders and the UN chief also discussed wider global security challenges, the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the situation in the Baltic region, the work of the UN Security Council and prospects for institutional reform.
Nausėda warned that Russia’s aggressive actions pose a threat to Europe as a whole. By repeatedly violating NATO member states’ airspace, Moscow continues down a dangerous path of provocation, with no sign that it is ready to engage in serious peace talks, according to the press release.
He added that Lithuania remains an active member of the Coalition of the Willing and would be prepared to send troops to Ukraine if a ceasefire and credible security guarantees were agreed.
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