Lithuanian president urges EU to start accession talks with Ukraine this year already

VILNIUS – Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda urges the European Union (EU) to start accession negotiations with Ukraine this year already.

"It is important that negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union begin this year already,” he told reporters on Friday.

“For Ukrainians fighting on the battlefield, a clear European perspective will inspire new strengths to continue fighting for their country.”

He stressed that Lithuania is ready to share its experience with Kyiv and provide consultations.

Nauseda also said after a meeting with European Commission Executive Vice-President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis that the EU must keep its sanctions against Russia in place, tighten them and ensure that restrictions are not circumvented.

The Lithuanian leader pointed out that the West should, among other things, agree on the use of frozen Kremlin funds for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

"This issue has been on our agenda for a long time and it is time to find a solution", he said.

EU leaders granted Ukraine candidate status in June 2022. Despite the war, Kyiv hopes to be able to start EU membership negotiations by the end of this year.