In New York, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Landsbergis urges his EU counterparts to maintain momentum in providing assistance to Ukraine and mobilising global support for its victory

“The decisions discussed by the EU on long-term support to Ukraine must imply a significant reinforcement of the assistance provided so far. Given the catastrophic geopolitical consequences in case of Russia’s victory, including the risk of losing control of the Black Sea, threats to Moldova, Georgia and security risks in the Baltic region, the EU must continue to increase military support to Ukraine according to its real needs,” Landsbergis said.

The head of Lithuania’s diplomacy highlighted Ukraine’s victory as a guarantee of European stability and security. Landsbergis urged EU member states to maintain momentum in providing support to Ukraine, as well as to tighten sanctions against Russia, Belarus and Iran.

“Despite hearing the constant Russian narrative “sanctions do not work” as we observe the regime’s desperate efforts to secure additional funding sources, we need to be even more persistent regarding sanctions. The sanctions help to undermine Russia’s military capabilities and limit the regime’s ability to pursue a debilitating war against Ukraine,” Lithuania’s Foreign Minister said.

The Foreign Minister also highlighted Lithuania’s readiness to create safe, alternative and reliable corridors for the transportation of Ukrainian grain while expanding the Baltic route.

“Russia alone is responsible for the termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the illegal blockade of Ukrainian ports and deliberate and persistent attacks on Ukrainian ports and grain infrastructure. No compromises can be made when dealing with the aggressor,” the head of Lithuania’s diplomacy said.

In New York, EU Foreign Ministers and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell also discussed EU coordination on meetings with third countries in the margins of the UNGA to support global partners on priority issues. In the margins of the UNGA, EU foreign ministers will meet with representatives of 133 countries.  

Yesterday in New York, Landsbergis and the Foreign Minister of the Philippines signed a letter of intent. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister will meet with his Malaysian and Mongolian counterparts today.