Asian countries should be principled regarding Russia's war – Lithuania's Nauseda

VILNIUS - It is important for Southeast Asian countries to be principled and condemn Russia its started war in Ukraine, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said at the ASEAN summit on Wednesday.

In his address, the Lithuanian leader focused on security and energy issues, the presidential press service said. Nauseda spoke about the need to reduce dependence on Russia's energy resources as the Kremlin uses them as a tool for political blackmail and uses the profits to finance the war in Ukraine.

"If you have received an offer to buy cheaper gas from the Kremlin, don't be fooled as it is another attempt to gain leverage for political blackmail. Any energy cooperation with an aggressor is dangerous. We need to move towards diversification of energy sources and green energy. Lithuania is ready to share its experience in the development of LNG projects," the Lithuanian president said.

Nauseda also stressed the importance of Southeast Asian countries' principled stance on Russia's war in Ukraine to condemn Russia's actions and demand responsibility.

The EU hopes this meeting will help to start strengthening economic ties with Southeast Asia, thereby reducing dependence on China.

On Thursday, European leaders will gather for a European Council meeting and discuss sanctions against Russia, support for Ukraine and energy issues.