Lithuania's duty is to convince Europe to do more - foreign minister in Kyiv

VILNIUS - Lithuania's duty is to convince its European allies to do more, Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said in Kyiv on Tuesday.

"Whatever nice stories they (Russia) tell about cooperation, it's not about that. They want territories; they want to subjugate their neighbors," the Lithuanian foreign minister said at a press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha.

"Our obligation is to assist you; our obligation is to convince our European partners to do more, to invest more in defense, and to build our strength to the point where it would be effective against Russia," he added.

According to the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry, during his meeting with Sybiha earlier on Tuesday, Budrys said Lithuania is contributing and will continue to contribute to all international initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukraine, including the so-called "coalition of the willing", which seeks to provide security guarantees to the country.

"Lithuania is ready to be part of the coalition of the willing, meaning that, together with other European nations, it will take part in efforts in Ukraine on tasks that are yet to be determined," Budrys said.

The "coalition of the willing" is a group of more than 30 European and other nations pledging security guarantees to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, including the possible deployment of military forces.

The initiative to form the coalition was launched by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, together with French President Emmanuel Macron.

According to the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry, Budrys and Sybiha also discussed the frontline situation and Ukraine's most urgent assistance needs, as well as efforts to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire leading to a "just and sustainable peace".

US President Donald Trump has sought to end the more than three-year-long war as quickly as possible since taking office, but his administration has failed to achieve a breakthrough despite negotiations with both sides.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a joint US-Ukrainian proposal for a 30-day ceasefire and has suggested removing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as part of the peace process.

Budrys also said that the only leverage in negotiations is maintaining pressure on Russia through further sanctions and more effective use of frozen assets.

During his meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, the minister emphasized that Lithuania is committed to providing long-term support to Kyiv - at least 0.25 percent of its GDP annually.

The ministers also discussed regional cooperation through formats such as the Lublin Triangle and the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8).

In Kyiv, Lithuania's top diplomat is also expected to meet with President Zelensky, and Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna.

As part of his visit, Budrys will also officially inaugurate Ukraine2EU, Ukraine's EU integration support program being implemented by Lithuania and Denmark.