Lithuanian, Polish formins discuss Ukraine support, Russia, Belarus sanctions

VILNIUS – Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis met with his Polish counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski in Vilnius on Thursday to discuss the evolving security situation in Europe, support for Ukraine, and the tightening of sanctions against Russia and Belarus.

The two neighboring countries' top diplomats also discussed defense cooperation in the region and bilateral relations, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

Landsbergis said that both countries aim for a long-term policy of containing Russia by reinforcing, through NATO instruments, deterrence against any potential attack on the Alliance's territory.

"On the other hand, flexible regional defense formats are also very important," he said. "We will continue to expand defense cooperation with Poland, as the Suwalki Gap is a clear area of shared responsibility." 

Speaking about support for Ukraine, the two ministers underlined the need for the EU's long-term financial and military assistance to the country which is fighting back against Russia's aggression.

Landsbergis said the leadership of the "like-minded Poland" is key to achieving agreement in this area, calling on Warsaw to join the Baltic governments' initiative for the uniform regional implementation of EU sanctions.

At their meeting, the two ministers also stressed the importance of the timely implementation of bilateral critical infrastructure projects such as the Baltic electricity grids' synchronization with Western Europe, Rail Baltica and Via Baltica.

This marked the first meeting between Landsbergis and Sikorski since the latter's appointment as Poland's foreign minister following the country's parliamentary elections last October.