Budrys in Washington: “The U.S. has all the leverage to weaken Russia and bring it to the negotiating table”
During his visit to Washington, D.C., the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, together with the Foreign Ministers of Latvia and Estonia, met with the U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Gen. Keith Kellogg.
At the meeting, the head of Lithuania’s diplomacy emphasized that Ukraine, Europe and the entire transatlantic community needed lasting and sustainable peace.
“A lasting and sustainable peace requires not only to end the war in Ukraine but also to stop Russia’s aggression. The recipe is simple: continue to support and arm Ukraine, while escalating sanctions on Russia's energy and financial sectors. Europe, together with the U.S., must expand sanctions. No measure to pressure Russia can be ruled out. A temporary peace or a ceasefire is not a solution because it will not stop Russia. The Kremlin will use this time to regroup and continue its aggression with new strength,” said the Foreign Minister.
At the meeting, the Foreign Minister emphasized that Ukraine must be given real security guarantees that would deter Russia in the future. Budrys also highlighted the essential role of the United States in ending Russian aggression.
According to the head of Lithuania’s diplomacy, now is high time the U.S. used its leverage to weaken Russia’s position and leave no choice but to sit down at the negotiating table under Ukrainian conditions. Budrys also stressed the importance of the U.S. military presence in Europe to deter Russian aggression.
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