Minister Budrys: Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be the subject of negotiations

On 20 October in Luxembourg, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kęstutis Budrys, participates in the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council (FAC).

In the debate on the EU's response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the Minister underlined the importance of the EU's continued diplomatic, military and financial support for Ukraine. He called on the EU's partners to strengthen Ukraine's negotiating position as much as possible and to prevent concessions incompatible with international law, as such compromises could have highly detrimental consequences for the future security of the entire Europe.

"The future of European security is at stake in Ukraine today. Thus, we need to do our best to ensure the aggressor is defeated and a lasting and just peace is achieved. Europe cannot be a passive observer here, but must take up an active and principled stand in support of Ukraine and for a lasting and sustainable peace", said the Minister.

According to Budrys, one of the fundamental principles of the EU should remain that an unconditional ceasefire must be established before any peace negotiations begin. The Minister emphasized that any peace agreement, if reached, must not include anything that would be contrary to international law.

"Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be the subject of negotiations. These principles must be defended. And finally, the negotiations on the end of Russia's aggression against Ukraine cannot be held with the aggressor alone. Ukraine must be part of them," noted the Minister.

Budrys stressed the priority of reaching a deal as soon as possible on a reparations loan to Ukraine proposed by the European Commission to use Russia's frozen assets and to ensure stable funding for the defense of Ukraine. The Minister also urged EU partners to increase pressure on Russia and its accomplice Belarus, and to agree on the 19th package of sanctions against Russia urgently, and to commit immediately to begin working on the 20th package.

Following Russia's violations of the airspace of EU countries, the Minister said that in response to the provocations, the EU must unite its efforts and strengthen its defense capabilities. Budrys underlined that special attention must be paid to capacity building in the countries on the EU's eastern border.

"The security of the EU's eastern flank means the security of the EU as a whole. All the capabilities needed to deter the enemy must be mobilised here. If Europe fails to do so, we will see more and more escalations in Europe. We have the opportunity to prevent this, so I urge you to do so," said the Minister.

The head of Lithuania's diplomacy drew attention to a task that is important for the entire international community - ensuring legal accountability of Russia and its accomplices for international crimes - and called on EU member states to actively contribute to the creation of the Special Tribunal and to ensure the necessary funding for its activities.