Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said that the European Union, which seeks security, should strengthen sanctions against Russia and accept new members
He said this in a speech in the European Parliament on Tuesday, March 14, LRT reports.
"We must strengthen sanctions against Russia until it stops its aggression against Ukraine and ensure that those responsible for the crimes of aggression are brought to justice," the Lithuanian leader said.
He also stressed that the most effective way to expand the space of peace, stability and prosperity in Europe has been and will be the enlargement of the EU.
"This is confirmed by the successful enlargement of the EU in 2004, 2007, 2013. Those who were then new to the EU, eager to strengthen Europe, passionately supported the reforms. Therefore, today, if we want to further strengthen the EU, let's accept new members," Nausėda said.
In his speech, he also mentioned Moldova, which is under political and energy pressure from pro-Russian forces, and Georgia, whose civil society is eager for change and a European future.
Lithuania’s president also pointed out that Ukraine's EU membership negotiations will also require "unusual decisions."
"Starting with Euromaidan, Ukraine's revival must end in a united Europe. Not only does Ukraine need Europe, but Europe needs Ukraine with all its vitality and determination to achieve its goals," the Lithuanian leader said.
On March 9, at an informal meeting of EU defense ministers, Lithuania called for accelerating efforts to jointly purchase additional artillery ammunition for Ukraine.
On March 14, the Lithuanian Seimas passed a resolution recognizing the Russian private military company Wagner as a terrorist organization.