Providing security guarantees for Ukraine remains priority - Nauseda
The European Union's continued support for Ukraine, which protects Europe from Russian troops at great cost, remains a priority.
According to Censor.NET, with refernce to Delfi, this was stated by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda.
He emphasized that against the backdrop of the US-Ukraine ceasefire talks, it is necessary to closely monitor Russia's actions as an aggressor state.
"The peace agreement must ensure long-term security for both Ukraine and the whole of Europe. Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and its people cannot be negotiated. A quick deal without real security guarantees will only open the way for further Russian aggression," Nauseda said.
He called for providing Ukraine with security guarantees with clear mechanisms for their implementation. He added that EU institutions and member states should help Ukraine fill gaps in its military capabilities, as well as stimulate the development of the Ukrainian defense industry through investment and procurement.
Nausėda also expressed support for the "Coalition of the Willing" created by the UK and France, which, if a peace agreement is reached, is ready to deploy a military contingent in Ukraine to deter Russia.
"Realizing that Russia's goals remain unchanged, we cannot consider it a normal partner. The EU, together with its allies, must continue to increase economic pressure on Russia and its ally Belarus. The 17th package of sanctions, including a complete ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas and an expanded list of Russian banks, should be prepared as soon as possible," Nausėda added.
