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The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, continues to participate in the informal meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Ministers in Warsaw.

Budrys said that Europe must  keep strengthening Ukraine's position. This, according to the Minister, is crucial when seeking an unconditional ceasefire, followed by a just and lasting peace. According to Budrys, it is necessary to strengthen military, political, and financial support, as well as to actively seek Russia's accountability for the crime of aggression.

"Europe's role in strengthening Ukraine's position is crucial. We must provide all the necessary support, as well as use the strong cards that the EU has - sanctions and frozen Russian assets. Only a strong Ukraine with a strong European backing can force Putin to negotiate a just and lasting peace,” said the Minister.

When addressing his EU counterparts, the Minister also stressed the need to continue European efforts to strengthen security and defence. Budrys expressed Lithuania's support for the proposals set out in the White Paper for European defence, but stressed the need for rapid decision-making and immediate implementation. The head of Lithuania's diplomacy also said that the EUR 150 billion loan facility, SAFE, was an excellent instrument and noted the special need to boost defence funding to secure the EU countries bordering Russia, Belarus, as well as the need for flexible cooperation on defence acquisitions with transatlantic and reliable third partners.