Lithuania and Germany Strengthen Support for Ukraine: Calls for Increased Sanctions Against Russia
At a crucial summit in Lithuania, the presidents of two European countries — Gitanas Nausėda and Frank-Walter Steinmeier — reaffirmed their strong support for Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty, while also expressing readiness to intensify pressure on Russia to halt its aggression. During the meeting held as part of the German president’s official visit to Lithuania, leaders discussed a range of vital issues, including the Ukraine situation, security concerns, military mobility, and strategic investments in defense sectors. Gitanas Nausėda, in a post on the social media platform X, emphasized that their nations have aligned their policies to support Ukraine and called for tougher sanctions against Russia. According to him, the close cooperation between Lithuania and Germany is essential for ensuring regional security and stability, as well as safeguarding their shared strategic interests within the European framework. Frank-Walter Steinmeier reaffirmed Germany and Lithuania’s solidarity in their commitment to European unity and Ukraine’s freedom. “Together, we stand for Ukraine’s right to self-determination, and for its fight for freedom and democratic development,” the German president declared. Notably, Nausėda expressed concern that the war in Ukraine could extend at least until the beginning of the next EU budget period, starting in 2028. He attributed this to Russia’s unwillingness to cease its aggression and its attempts to mimic peace negotiations. According to the Lithuanian leader, ceasefire agreements are a necessary precondition for any peaceful resolution; however, currently, this is not being considered. As a result, he called on Europe to act decisively and unite in imposing additional sanctions. It is believed that the EU should implement at least the 18th sanctions package to exert effective pressure on Moscow and persuade it to change its policies toward Ukraine.