During a recent meeting with European leaders, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda highlighted the critical situation in Ukraine, urging immediate financial assistance of 90 billion euros and advocating for expedited EU membership for Ukraine by 2030. He argued that a strong and resilient Ukraine is essential for ensuring European stability against potential threats posed by Russia.

Moreover, Nausėda stressed the importance of maximizing pressure on Russia by swiftly implementing the 20th sanctions package and reducing Russian energy revenues, with an ultimate aim to completely phase out Russian fossil fuels. The discussions also included the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, where Nausėda condemned Iran's military actions and their implications for regional and international stability, expressing solidarity with countries in the region that have become targets of these actions.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the Lithuanian president underscored the necessity for Europe to bolster its defense capabilities and enhance the technological potential of its defense industry. He articulated a vision for a united response to both the Russian aggression in Ukraine and the threats emanating from the Middle East, reinforcing the interconnectedness of these geopolitical challenges to the broader stability of Europe.