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The President in Brussels: The EU needs to step up military assistance to Ukraine

President of the Republic of Lithuania

December 19, 2024

President Gitanas Nausėda is attending the European Council meeting in Brussels. On Thursday, the plenary session opened with a discussion with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who joined the EU leaders.

During the discussion, the President of Lithuania emphasized that the security of all of Europe is being determined in Ukraine, urging the European Union to intensify its support for Ukraine in the face of calls to "negotiate."

"Attempts to pressure Ukraine into negotiating on unfavorable terms, compromising its sovereignty and territorial integrity, have no connection to the pursuit of a just and sustainable peace. We must help Ukraine strengthen its position and ensure that such 'negotiations' do not jeopardize Ukraine's security or that of the European Union," the President stated.

The Head of State emphasized that the EU's efforts must focus on making a tangible impact on the battlefield. He called on European countries to provide Ukraine with more long-range fire systems, enabling it to choose its own targets, additional ammunition, and increased acquisitions from Ukraine's defense industry. He stressed the need to dispel the narrative of an 'invincible Russia' once and for all, noting that the country has faced repeated defeats on the battlefield and will suffer the same outcome in Ukraine.

In addition to military aid, the President highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine through the winter. Lithuania is contributing to this effort by donating a thermal power plant to Ukraine. Gitanas Nausėda also urged the swift adoption of a 16th package of EU sanctions against Russia, targeting its most profitable and critical sectors, including energy and finance.

The Lithuanian leader highlighted that Russia is attempting to escalate the situation by seeking additional resources from other authoritarian states to continue the war. The biggest threat, according to the President, is the growing involvement of China, North Korea, Iran, and Belarus in Russia's war against Ukraine. He stressed that the cost of supporting Russia must be high enough to deter those considering further involvement in Russia's aggression.

The President also pointed out that Ukraine's accession to NATO is the only long-term guarantee of its security, and without Ukraine's security, there can be no long-term security for the EU. He emphasized the importance of accelerating Ukraine's EU accession negotiations. Additionally, President Gitanas Nausėda reiterated the need to hold Russia accountable for the war crimes committed in Ukraine.

At the European Council meeting in Brussels, the EU leaders will also discuss the EU's role in the world, enlargement, migration, the Middle East, and the situation in Georgia.

The President's Communication Group