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Gitanas Nausėda and the President of the European Council discussed security in Ukraine and Europe

President of the Republic of Lithuania

February 19, 2025

On Wednesday, President Gitanas Nausėda had a telephone call with the President of the European Council, António Costa, to discuss the security of Ukraine and the European Union, support for Ukraine, and potential peace negotiations.

During the conversation, the President reaffirmed Lithuania's strong support for Ukraine. He emphasized that Ukraine's independence, territorial integrity and the right to determine its own future must be ensured.

Regarding potential peace negotiations, the President stressed that the goal must be to stop aggression - not just the war - and to prevent Russia from rebuilding its military power. This requires maintaining sanctions and continuing political and diplomatic pressure. "Sanctions can only be lifted when aggression is stopped and its consequences are eliminated," the President stated, emphasizing the need to hold Russia accountable for its crime of aggression and war crimes.

The President reiterated that negotiations must include Ukraine and Europe and should be conducted from the position of strength.

Gitanas Nausėda also underscored the importance of long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. "NATO membership is the best, most efficient and cost-effective way to ensure this. We must continue supplying arms to Ukraine and oppose any disarmament or limitation on its military forces," he said.

In his conversation with the European Council President, Gitanas Nausėda called for increased military and financial support for Ukraine, including the supply of weapons that Ukraine currently needs, investment in Ukraine's defense industry, and the use of Russia's frozen assets for the needs of Ukraine. He also stressed the importance of establishing a significant financial package for Ukraine's reconstruction, financial and macroeconomic stability, and the rehabilitation of its defenders.

The President also urged the acceleration of Ukraine's accession to the EU, opening the first negotiation cluster as early as February and achieving full EU membership by 2030.

The President's Communication Group