„Before starting negotiations, we must agree on what we will negotiate, what our demands are, the final result, and the success criteria. We must be prepared for this. In this case, the approach of ‘let’s try’ is inappropriate, there is nothing to try,“ the minister said on Saturday.
„Having agreed on the list of demands, we will be able to discuss who will do it and whether now is the right time,“ he assured.
According to K. Budrys, this should include not only Russia’s war in Ukraine but also the Kremlin-occupied territories of Georgia, tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.
Thus, the minister spoke at the Lithuanian Parliament building in Vilnius at the start of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA) spring session. The parliamentarians intend to focus mainly on strengthening collective defense and supporting Ukraine.
This week, the foreign ministers of the EU countries discussed the conditions for possible negotiations with Moscow. After the meeting, it was stated that a “broad consensus” was reached to work through the Community institutions.
According to the Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, to end Russia’s war, it is necessary to continue supporting Ukraine and pressuring the Kremlin.
Discussions about renewed ties with Moscow intensified after US efforts to stop the war in Ukraine reached a deadlock, and US President Donald Trump’s attention shifted to Iran.
Ukraine urged Europe, which Washington had so far sidelined, to take a greater role and proposed appointing a representative for negotiations.
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Speculation about possible envoys intensified when Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted that his longtime ally, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, might be suitable for this. In Europe, this idea was strongly rejected.
NATO must demonstrate capabilities
Speaking to NATO PA representatives gathered in the Seimas, K. Budrys also emphasized that the upcoming Alliance summit in Ankara will be decisive in proving that it is capable of defending every centimeter of allied territory.
„The Ankara summit will be a decisive moment, allowing us to prove that NATO continues to be capable of defending every centimeter of allied territory. Our opponents judge us not by words but by actions,“ he assured.
According to the minister, the most important thing at this meeting is to maintain unity, agree on strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities, and ensure uninterrupted support for Ukraine.
He stated that a strong US presence in Europe remains necessary for deterrence, but it is essential to ensure that European countries become capable US security partners.
„The new European security must be and will be created with active participation from Ukraine. Concessions to the aggressor have never brought peace, never. It only encourages further aggression,“ he emphasized.
The Alliance summit in Ankara is scheduled for July 7-8.
