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On 7 July in Ankara, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys took part in a working dinner of the NATO-Ukraine Council at the level of Ministers of Foreign Affairs. The event, attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, focused on increased support for Ukraine, further pressure on Russia and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.

The head of Lithuania's diplomacy stressed that Ukraine's battlefield achievements in recent months show that consistent Western support is yielding results.

“We congratulate Ukraine on changing the dynamics of the situation on the battlefield. Our task today is to provide all the necessary support to use this moment to force Russia to stop its aggression and sit down at the negotiating table. Ukraine is fighting not only for its freedom, but also for the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic area," said Budrys.

The Minister emphasized that this is a war in which the Kremlin hopes to weary both Ukraine and the countries that support it. Allied support must therefore not only be continued, but also more equitably distributed.

“We have to prove to Putin that he has miscalculated. The security of Ukraine is our security. I therefore call on all NATO countries to take on a greater share of responsibility and ensure a fairer burden-sharing in support of Ukraine," said Budrys.

He recalled that Lithuania is committed to allocating at least 0.25% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) every year by at least 2034, and is significantly increasing its contribution to Ukraine's defence capacity-building initiatives.

Budrys also called for the European Union's support measures to be used as quickly as possible to meet Ukraine's needs and for additional sources of funding to be explored further.

“We need to use all available support tools expeditiously and not forget the frozen Russian assets. Russia must contribute to paying reparations for the damage it has caused," he said.

In view of the upcoming heating season, Budrys also called for dedicating more attention to the protection of Ukraine's energy and other critical infrastructure.

When speaking about pressure on Russia, the Minister stressed that allies must not weaken the sanctions regime or return to business as usual as long as Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine.

"Calls for a resumption of dialogue with Russia are currently unfounded and counterproductive. There is no real basis for talking about normalizing relations with Russia as long as it continues its aggression and fails to take concrete steps toward a comprehensive ceasefire," Budrys said.

The Minister stressed that the tightening of sanctions against Russia must primarily be aimed at reducing its revenue from the energy sector, curbing the activities of its shadow fleet, and preventing the circumvention of sanctions.

The meeting focused extensively on Ukraine’s long-term security guarantees and the prospects for Euro-Atlantic integration. Budrys emphasized that Ukraine has already proven itself to be a significant contributor to Euro-Atlantic security.

“Ukraine has repeatedly proven that it is not only a recipient of security but also a provider of security. We must enhance cooperation between NATO and Ukraine in the areas of security, defense, and the defense industry, draw on Ukraine’s combat experience, and accelerate Ukraine’s integration into the transatlantic defense ecosystem,” the Minister said.

According to Budrys, Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration remains the most reliable guarantee of its security in the future.

“We are stronger together with Ukraine. Therefore, we must not lose sight of our strategic goal—the most reliable and sustainable guarantee of Ukraine’s security is its membership in the Euro-Atlantic community,” emphasized Budrys.

Photos: NATO