Lithuanian FM meets with EU ambassadors, calls for new sanctions against Russia

VILNIUS - Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys met with the ambassadors of EU countries on Tuesday and briefed them on Lithuania's foreign policy priorities. The minister also called for the adoption of the 18th sanction package against Russia as soon as possible, the Foreign Ministry said.

Key geopolitical, foreign policy and European security issues were also discussed during the meeting, the statement said.

"Providing consistent support for Ukraine, strengthening national defense capabilities, maintaining a strong Euro-Atlantic link and further tightening international pressure on Russia are the four priority areas of Lithuania's foreign policy, which are directly related to the security of our state and are being given the highest attention," Lithuania's top diplomat was quoted as saying in the ministry's statement.

In his words, with the mass attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilians over the past few nights, Russia has once again cynically demonstrated that, empowered by impunity, it has no intention of accepting a ceasefire, nor of pursuing a lasting and sustainable peace.

"It is therefore imperative that the 18th package of sanctions be adopted as soon as possible, seriously targeting Russia's energy sector, all remaining aggressor banks and all remaining unauthorized shadow fleet vessels," the statement said.

Budrys also stressed the importance of merit-based EU enlargement and Ukraine's EU membership for a secure future. Ukraine is making progress and it is in everyone's common interest to help it as much as possible. With Denmark and Sweden's support, Lithuania is implementing the Ukraine2EU project aimed at accelerating Ukraine's EU accession process with a view to achieving full EU membership by January 2030.

The meeting also discussed the situation in the Middle East. Budrys stressed the need to seek the release of the hostages held by Hamas and to address the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip immediately.

"The existing situation there is a matter of great concern and humanitarian aid must not only be resumed but also significantly increased to meet the needs of the people of Gaza," the minister said.

The meeting, which traditionally takes place twice a year at the initiative of the presidency of the Council of the EU, was held at the invitation of Grzegorz Marek Poznanski, Poland's charge d'affaires in Lithuania.

Poland holds the rotating EU presidency until July 1.