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On 12 October, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys is participating in the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. Ahead of the meeting, addressing journalists, the Minister highlighted two priorities: increasing pressure on Russia and accelerating Ukraine’s path towards EU membership.

The Minister welcomed the decision to add a further 1,600 individuals and entities linked to Russia’s information warfare, shadow fleet and war machine to sanctions lists, but stressed that this should not be the end of the process.

“Sanctions are effective only when pressure continues to increase, not when we stop. By recently removing two influential oligarchs from sanctions lists, we showed weakness, and we have seen Russia’s response: further escalation in Ukraine and across Europe,” said Budrys.

According to the Minister, Europe must respond to Russia’s actions with tougher sanctions, increased pressure and greater international isolation of Russia. Budrys emphasised that every meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council should result in additional sanctions against individuals and entities involved in sabotage operations and supporting Russia’s war machine.

Budrys also called on the EU to take action against Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU.

“The GRU is already operating as a terrorist organisation, and the EU should recognise it as such. Only by tightening sanctions and demonstrating genuine resolve will we prevent Russia from spreading chaos in our capitals,” the Minister stated.

Speaking about EU enlargement, Budrys stressed its importance for Europe’s security.

“The road to European security runs through Kyiv. Ukraine is already defending us by holding back Russian forces. EU enlargement means strengthening Europe’s security,” said Budrys.

The Minister called for the opening of the remaining four clusters in Ukraine’s accession negotiations and urged progress by the end of the year in advancing accession talks with both Ukraine and Moldova.