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On 11 February in Helsinki, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Elina Valtonen. The Foreign Ministers discussed bilateral and regional Nordic-Baltic cooperation, countering hybrid threats and Russia’s shadow fleet, and supporting Ukraine.

The Foreign Minister emphasized that Lithuania and Finland were like-minded countries, partners within the EU and NATO allies. According to Budrys, the countries also share their approach to regional security and defence. The Foreign Minister emphasized the highly effective cooperation between Lithuania and Finland in the Nordic-Baltic Eight format and expressed their expectations that this unique format of regional cooperation would be further strengthened.

Budrys and Valtonen discussed security issues facing the Nordic-Baltic region. The Foreign Minister underlined the need to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure and adequately respond to the threats posed by Russia’s shadow fleet. According to Budrys, it is essential to effectively sanction the shadow fleet and continue cooperation between the region’s countries in search of flexible international law solutions.

“Lithuania and Finland are like-minded countries, especially on security and defence issues. Our cooperation in strengthening the security of the region is very valuable. At the same time, we must seek to increase NATO’s defence capabilities and encourage our allies to devote more resources to defence. Without investment, effective defence is impossible,” said the Foreign Minister.

The Foreign Ministers of Lithuania and Finland discussed measures to achieve lasting and sustainable peace in Ukraine. Budrys stressed that no peace talks could take place without Ukraine’s involvement in the process. According to the Foreign Minister, it is necessary to weaken Russia’s economy and its ability to pursue its war of aggression against Ukraine and force Putin to sit down at the negotiating table. Budrys stressed that the 16th EU sanctions package against Russia must target Russia’s energy sector, as this area would have the most severe impact on the aggressor’s economy. The Foreign Minister also emphasized the importance of cooperation between the EU and the U.S. on the issue of sanctions against Russia.

“Peace in Ukraine means peace in Europe. A ceasefire cannot and should not be equated with the end of aggression. If the conditions for lasting, sustainable, and just peace are not ensured, Russia's aggression will resume, and we will witness a new wave of Russian attacks," stated the Lithuanian minister,” Lithuania’s Foreign Minister said.