Lithuanian president calls Russia's sanctions 'result of our correct policy'

PARIS - Russia's decision to put almost 350 Baltic citizens, ministers and lawmakers on its sanction list is the result of the correct foreign policy, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda says.

"I think this is the result of our correct foreign policy and this would be my answer. If Russia is nervous about our actions, then we have achieved a result," Nauseda told reporters in Paris when asked about the new Russian sanctions imposed on Baltic politicians.

According to the president, the Baltic states response is "the unity of all of us and very clear decisions on Ukraine".

"This is the best 'gift' we can give to the Kremlin regime," Nauseda said.

On Tuesday, Russia said it had added 347 Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian citizens, including ministers and MPs, to its sanction lists

The Kremlin calls these people "hostile" and complains about their support for Ukraine, the destruction of Soviet monuments and persecution of Russian speakers.

The sanction list also includes Lithuania's Chief of Defense Valdemaras Rupsys, Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina and several hundred others. They are banned from entering Russia.