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The President: The only way to address Europe's security issues is Ukraine's victory

President of the Republic of Lithuania

June 01, 2023

Russia's imperial ambitions pose an existential threat not only to Ukraine, but also to Europe as a whole, and political, economic and military assistance to Ukrainians is the only direct way to address the continent's security problems, President Gitanas Nausėda stressed in his address to the leaders of the 47 European countries in Chișinău on Thursday.

"No one else but Ukraine must decide on the terms and timing of negotiations with the aggressor. However, a necessary condition for this is the withdrawal of the Russian occupying forces from the territory of Ukraine," Gitanas Nausėda pointed out.

The President is taking part in the Second European Political Community Summit in the Moldovan capital, together with the leaders of the European Union member states and 20 other countries of Europe.

Speaking at a session on security issues, Gitanas Nausėda stressed the need for other countries on the continent not only to support Ukraine but also to strengthen their own preparedness. Among the most important threats, the President highlighted the danger of hybrid attacks, nuclear safety and energy security issues, as well as Russia's efforts to instrumentalize irregular migration as a weapon against European countries.

"We must mobilize and counter Russia's attempts to rewrite history and lay the pseudo-philosophical foundations for an aggressive imperial policy," the Lithuanian leader stressed.

The President also underlined at the European Political Community Summit the need to reduce as quickly as possible the dependence on fossil fuels from Russia and the influence of Rosatom in the nuclear energy sector.

"Rosatom, more financial institutions, companies in the communications sector and the diamond business have to be included in the latest package of international sanctions against Russia," the Lithuanian leader underscored.

Addressing the members of the European Political Community, the President highlighted the importance of Russia's accountability for the crimes of war and aggression in Ukraine.

"Today, as we celebrate the International Children's Day, we must not forget that 19,000 Ukrainian children were forcibly expelled from their homeland to Russia. Another 2,000 or more were taken to Belarus. Fewer than 500 returned home. An international special tribunal would be a response to these facts and would ensure that Russia's political and military leadership does not escape accountability for crimes of war and aggression," Gitanas Nausėda pointed out.

Summits of the European Political Community have been held since 2022, following Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The first such summit was held in Prague last year.