The President called for setting a concrete date for Ukraine's EU accession during a European Council videoconference
President of the Republic of Lithuania
August 19, 2025
On Tuesday, President Gitanas Nausėda participated in a virtual European Council meeting to discuss the outcomes of the meeting between the Presidents of the United States and Ukraine, as well as the leaders of major European countries, the NATO Secretary General, and the President of the European Commission.
In his remarks, the President emphasized the importance of security guarantees. According to the Head of State, the U.S. backstop for European deployment in Ukraine has always been a crucial factor, and following yesterday's meeting in Washington, it has become clear that this possibility is now real.
President Gitanas Nausėda highlighted that Lithuania is ready to contribute to the joint efforts of the Coalition of the Willing by providing military capabilities. Lithuania will also train 5,000 Ukrainian soldiers in 2025.
Speaking on Ukraine's EU accession, the Head of State stressed that the time has come to give Ukraine what it truly deserves—the opening of the first negotiation cluster this September. "This would be the signal Ukraine urgently needs. We need to get Ukraine involved in the negotiation process and set a concrete date for EU membership—2030," the President emphasized.
The Head of State also underlined the need to hold Russia accountable for its war of aggression in Ukraine. Gitanas Nausėda noted that as bombs continue to fall on Ukrainian cities, there can be no easing of pressure on Russia. "We must urgently proceed with the 19th package of sanctions. There will be no just and lasting peace if Russia escapes unpunished. The frozen assets have to be used for Ukraine's needs," the Lithuanian leader spoke.
The President's Communication Group
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