The President: Peace is achieved through strength, not by pressuring the victim of aggression to make concessions

On Thursday, President Gitanas Nausėda participated in a virtual meeting of the Coalition of the Willing with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to the President, decisions made in the coming days and weeks may determine the future of security across Europe. Therefore, Europe must now stand firmly on Ukraine's side and strengthen its negotiating position - this is essential for Europe's own security.

The President outlined the key principles for achieving a lasting and just peace in Ukraine:

• first, a ceasefire must be achieved;
  • any peace plan must include strong, enforceable and legally binding security guarantees for Ukraine - there can be no "second Budapest Memorandum";
  • the buildup of security-ensuring forces must continue, securing real European capabilities. Lithuania stands ready to contribute;
  • long-term military and financial support to Ukraine must be ensured, along with increased pressure on the aggressor, Russia;
  • no concessions can be made regarding Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty or international law. Aggression and war crimes cannot be rewarded;
  • Ukraine's EU membership perspective by 2030 must be an integral part of the peace plan.

"Europe must act in unity - clearly and decisively. Peace is achieved through strength, not by forcing the victim of aggression to make concessions," the President said.