News

On 20 June  in Luxembourg, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis attended the Foreign Affairs Council, which focused on Russia’s war against Ukraine and its global impacts, as well as the EU’s further actions and response.

“Russia's aggressive rhetoric towards its neighbours reveals the Kremlin’s imperialistic, revanchist goals. It  openly threatens to deprive its neighbouring countries of their territories, to withdraw the recognition of independence of sovereign states, in violation of international law. If Russia is not stopped in Ukraine, it will continue. Ukraine must remain a priority for the EU, we have to continue to provide full support to it, especially heavy weapons. The speed and efficacy of our assistance is very important, if we wish Ukraine to continue fighting," Landsbergis said, stressing that it was also important to continue to expand sanctions against Russia and to deprive its war machine of money.

In the meeting, Landsbergis welcomed the European Commission's positive opinion, recommending that Ukraine be granted EU candidate status. According to the Foreign Minister, it is important for the EU to grab this historic opportunity to become a true geopolitical union and to endorse the Commission’s recommendation at the European Council.

EU foreign ministers also discussed the European Commission’s Action Plan on the geopolitical consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on third countries, laying particular emphasis on the global food crisis and possible joint responses with partners.

“The EU’s strategic communication needs to be strengthened by explaining the real causes of the imminent food crisis: Russia’s war against Ukraine, not Western sanctions, is holding citizens of third countries hostage. Our arguments would be better heard, if we could ground them on action – help to unblock ports and export routes for Ukrainian grain, supplying the Ukrainians with the necessary weapons," said Landsbergis, noting that we could not allow Russia to use this situation as a lever to lift sanctions against it.

Landsbergis and the Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed the new EU-Egypt Partnership Priorities until 2027, impacts of Russia's war in Ukraine on African countries and further joint action to secure food supplies. Landsbergis also highlighted the importance of Egypt as a strategic partner in the fight against terrorism, for controlling migration and addressing the issues of diversification of gas supply sources and routes.