Lithuania pushes for regional sanctions with Poland and Baltics

• Asta Skaisgirytė, adviser to the President of Lithuania, suggested joint actions by the Baltic countries against Russia. The politician believes that European neighbours of Vladimir Putin's country could make a joint decision to introduce regional sanctions.
• The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans changes in this matter in national legislation. Lithuania aims to soon decide on a provision allowing for the imposition of national sanctions. The adviser believes that Baltic and Nordic countries, including Poland, may join Lithuania.
• Lithuanian Foreign Minister, Kestutis Budrys, emphasised the need for a regional agreement on blocking the entry of goods into the EU by land.

Asta Skaisgirytė, an adviser to the President of Lithuania on foreign affairs, expressed confidence that it is possible to introduce regional sanctions against Russia. - We believe that it would be possible for the Baltic countries and Poland, and perhaps Finland and other Nordic countries, to join the sanctions - Skaisgirytė said in an interview with the Žiniu radijas radio station.

She emphasised that the views of these countries are often similar, which would facilitate reaching a consensus on this matter.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to introduce a provision into national legislation that will allow for the imposition of national sanctions. Lithuanian Foreign Minister, Kestutis Budrys, noted that it would be beneficial if countries bordering Russia reached an agreement on blocking the entry of goods into the EU by land.

This action, taken by a group of Russia's closest western neighbours, would aim to increase pressure on Russia. The goal is effective sanctions that can pressure Moscow regarding its actions in Ukraine.