Russia sanctions could potentially be extended to include Baltic, Nordic countries, and Poland, according to a Lithuanian official's statements.
Vilnius Chatter: Baltic, Nordic Nations Mull Joint Sanctions Against Russia
Here's the scoop! Asta Skaisgiryte, Lithuania's presidential advisor on foreign policy, has got everybody talking. She thinks that alongside our Baltic brethren, Poland, Finland, and possibly other Nordic countries could hop aboard the sanctions train against Russia. Skaisgiryte dropped this bombshell to Ziniu Radijas radio station folks on a Tuesday.
"Let's face it, we're such birds of a feather, we're often so like-minded, we'd agree like hotcakes to a coalition of countries," she shared.
European Union (EU) nations are currently mulling alternatives to the block's sanctions, worrying that Hungary might veto an extension this summer.
Lithuania's Foreign Ministry has a plan up its sleeve – it's plotting to propose legislation adding national sanctions on Russia and Belarus to Lithuania's legal books.
Skaisgiryte dreams of extending EU sanctions on Moscow, although she understands that may not always be possible, given Hungary's reservations.
Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys tells BNS that it'd be great if countries bordering Russia and Belarus could hammer out a regional pact to choke off land-based EU trade, driving up costs.
Snapshot:
- Possible Sanctions Expansion: Baltic, Nordic countries, and Poland could team up against Russia.
- Fortifying Alliances: The move is aimed at strengthening cooperation against the Kremlin's actions.
- Border Controls: Latvia has implemented restrictions at its borders due to concerns over hybrid threats from Russia. This move is part of a broader trend among Baltic countries to beef up defense measures.
- Energy Diversification: Baltic countries have ceased purchasing electricity from Russia, and efforts are ongoing to integrate energy markets across Europe, reducing dependence on Russian energy supplies.
- Poland's Strong Stance: Poland supports Ukraine and is a vocal critic of Russian imperialism. It stands guard against military threats and illegal migration, which it views as part of Russia's hybrid warfare strategy.
- Asta Skaisgiryte, Lithuania's presidential advisor on foreign policy, suggests that Baltic, Nordic nations, and Poland may collaborate on extending sanctions against Russia, aligning their politics in the face of the Kremlin's actions.
- Lithuania's Foreign Ministry is planning to propose legislation that would add national sanctions on Russia and Belarus, forging a stronger coalition in general-news against these countries.
- Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys envisions a regional pact between countries bordering Russia and Belarus, restricting land-based EU trade with these countries to counteract potential hybrid threats and increase the cost of doing business.
