Lithuania's Responsibility is to Persuade Europe for Increased Action - Foreign Minister in Kyiv
KYIV CHAT - Lithuania Pushes for Stepped-Up European Response
It's all about taking a strong stand, according to Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys, who spoke in Kyiv on Tuesday. He warned that Russia's intentions go far beyond cooperation, stating, "They want territories; they want to dominate their neighbors."
Budrys' press conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, saw the Lithuanian minister stressing the importance of aiding Ukraine and persuading European partners to bolster their defense and financial investments in the region. "Our responsibility is to help you. Our responsibility is to convince our European partners to do more," he said.
Earlier in the day, during a meeting with Sybiha, Budrys confirmed Lithuania's commitment to international initiatives aimed at fortifying Ukraine, including the informal "coalition of the willing." This alliance, consisting of over 30 nations, has pledged security guarantees to Ukraine, with a potential deployment of military forces to counter Russian aggression. Naturally, Lithuania is keen on being part of this coalition.
In Budrys' own words, "Lithuania is ready to join forces with other European nations in the coalition, ready to participate in tasks yet to be determined."
The "coalition of the willing" was launched by Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the UK, in conjunction with French President Emmanuel Macron. This alliance is a response to shifting support dynamics in the international community, particularly following changes in U.S. involvement.
Budrys and Sybiha also discussed the challenging frontline situation and Ukraine's most pressing assistance requirements, as well as efforts to set up a comprehensive ceasefire leading to a lasting peace.
The U.S. President, Donald Trump, has consistently sought a speedy end to the ongoing war. However, negotiations between the two parties have thus far yielded no breakthrough. Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a joint U.S.-Ukrainian proposition for a 30-day truce and has suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky might need to be removed as part of the peace process.
Budrys believes that pressure on Russia can serve as the negotiating leverage, suggesting additional sanctions and more strategic use of frozen assets for increased impact.
As Lithuania remains steadfast in its support of Ukraine, Budrys reaffirmed a commitment to provide long-term aid to Kyiv, as much as 0.25 percent of Lithuania's GDP yearly.
Besides regional cooperation through forums such as the Lublin Triangle and the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8), Budrys also addressed upcoming meetings with President Zelensky and Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna.
During his time in Kyiv, Budrys will officially launch Ukraine2EU, a program focused on Ukraine's EU integration Support, jointly implemented by Lithuania and Denmark.
- Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys emphasized the importance of aiding Ukraine and persuading European partners to bolster their defense and financial investments, as he spoke in Kyiv.
- In a meeting with Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, Budrys confirmed Lithuania's commitment to international initiatives aimed at fortifying Ukraine, including the informal "coalition of the willing."
- Budrys pledged that Lithuania is ready to join forces with other European nations in the coalition, ready to participate in tasks yet to be determined.
- Budrys' policy and legislation as part of the "coalition of the willing" aims to apply additional sanctions and make strategic use of frozen assets to exert pressure on Russia.
- The Lithuanian minister also addressed upcoming meetings with President Zelensky and Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna, and will officially launch Ukraine2EU, a program focused on Ukraine's EU integration support.
