Lithuania urges 'ambitious' EU sanctions package against Russia

BRUSSELS

Lithuania on Friday urged the European Union to adopt a "finally ambitious" 20th sanctions package against Russia, as the bloc prepares to introduce new measures later this month.

Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said the EU must step up pressure on Moscow, noting that the US has, in some areas, taken a "tougher" approach.

"Paradoxically, despite all the criticism and disappointment directed at the United States, they are doing more than the European Union in terms of sanctions against Russia," Budrys told public broadcaster LRT.

"I hope that this 20th package, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the war, will finally be ambitious, rather than simply marking time," he added.

On achieving peace, Budrys emphasized Lithuania's position: "Let us impose sanctions."

He said that direct measures, as well as secondary sanctions on countries continuing trade with Russia, "could destabilize Kremlin decision-making."

"It is not Ukraine that should be pressured here. Ukrainians have already done everything they possibly can. They are open, they are engaging and they are negotiating in Abu Dhabi. Let us pressure President Putin," he added.

The second round of US-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi concluded on Thursday, resulting in another exchange of prisoners of war.

Since the war in Ukraine started in February 2022, Russia has faced 19 rounds of EU sanctions.

The EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the 20th package is expected to be approved on Feb. 24, marking the fourth anniversary of the war.