During a recent press conference in Brussels, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda highlighted the distinction between the United States' approach to Belarus and that of the European Union. He pointed out that while the US may have its own stance concerning sanctions against Belarus, the EU has a clearly defined policy that holds both Belarus and Russia accountable for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This acknowledgment of responsibility is critical, as Nausėda noted the severity of the ongoing war and the EU's commitment to maintaining sanctions as a response.

Nausėda mentioned that the EU has recently extended sanctions against Belarus for an additional twelve months, indicating a lack of political will or possibility to reassess these sanctions during that timeframe. This extension illustrates the EU's united front and its stance against the actions of Belarus, particularly in relation to the war in Ukraine. He emphasizes that the two tracks of sanction policies — one from the US and another from the EU — cannot be conflated, suggesting that the EU will not follow the US's lead if the latter decides to lift its sanctions.

The statement underscores a strategic divergence in international diplomacy, reflecting the complexities of geopolitical relationships in the region. It indicates not only the European Union's commitment to its sanctions regime but also aims to reassure its member states about the importance of maintaining a cohesive and principled approach towards Belarus and its actions, especially in context to Russia and the broader implications for Ukraine.