Budrys at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels: what is happening in Kherson is inhumane
On 23 June, Minister Kęstutis Budrys participated in the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) and discussed support for Ukraine and measures of political pressure on Russia, which is waging a war of aggression against Ukraine.
'What is happening in Kherson is inhumane. Drones are hunting down civilians, malicious and intentional 'human safari' is being carried out. Even doctors, hospitals, and ambulances, which are protected by international law, are being attacked,' said Budrys.
A few weeks ago, the Lithuanian Foreign Minister was the first foreign minister to visit Kherson since the beginning of Russia's aggression. According to the minister, it is necessary to maintain and increase political pressure on Russia, immediately approve the 18th EU sanctions package, and cut off the aggressor from revenue from energy exports.
According to Budrys, sanctions against Russia and its ally Belarus can only be further tightened.
"Last week, Lukashenko released 14 political prisoners, but over the past six months, he has imprisoned about 200 new ones. For Lukashenko, this is an endless game, and we cannot be deceived by him. We must maintain sanctions on Lukashenko‘s regime until all political prisoners are released," said the minister.
According to Budrys, it is necessary to speed up Ukraine's accession to the EU and open the first clusters of negotiations as soon as possible, with the remaining ones to be opened by the end of the year so that Ukraine can become a member of the EU by 2030.
The meeting also discussed the situation in the Middle East following the US strikes on uranium enrichment sites in Iran, the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, and EU policy towards Syria and Libya. Discussions were also held on Lithuania's proposals on what action the EU should take in response to the rapidly deteriorating situation in Sakartvelo.
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