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The European Union must continue pressure on Russia until the situation in Ukraine will improve and the Minsk agreements are fully implemented, said Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linkevičius in an informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers' meeting (Gymnich) in Riga on March 6.

EU ministers discussed the situation in Libya. The aggression against Ukraine and the future of EU relations with Russia were the topics of discussion with the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Lamberto Zannier. The Ministers expressed the need of further support of the OSCE mission and reforms in Ukraine. Threat of the Russian propaganda and possible EU action in strengthening freedom of press were touched upon during the meeting too.

Linkevičius noted that the situation in Ukraine has not changed, Russian troops remain in Ukraine, no border control, hostages not released, the shameful case of Nadiya Savchenko continues, the OSCE observers are not ensured normal conditions. The Minister urged his colleagues to increase support for Ukraine, including weapons. "We need to be united, but our unity must yield results and not become a unity without actions, which is disastrous for Ukraine and European security. Support in defensive weaponry will help prevent deaths of Ukrainian soldiers, "- said the minister.

Linkevičius told his colleagues about the meetings with representatives of the Russian opposition in Moscow during the funeral of Boris Nemtsov and drew attention to the communication with Russian civil society.

On March 7 the Ministers continue the debate and discuss preparations for the Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga, the European Neighbourhood Policy and the European Security Strategy. In a session with the EU candidate countries, the Ministers will discuss the situation in the European neighbourhood.