We must be ready to deploy forces to ensure security in Ukraine - Lithuania's Nauseda

VILNIUS - Countries from the Coalition of the Willing need to be prepared to deploy forces to ensure security in Ukraine, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda says after the coalition's meeting on Wednesday, held to discuss the situation in Ukraine and the upcoming meeting of the US and Russian presidents.

"We need to be prepared to deploy forces to ensure security in Ukraine," Nauseda was quoted as saying in the statement released by the presidential press service.

According to Nauseda, Lithuania stands ready to contribute troops and military training capabilities to a joint force.

Russia’s fourth year of war of aggression against Ukraine has a significant impact on the security of Europe as a whole. While efforts to end the war are welcome, they have to be based on terms favorable to both Ukraine and Europe, the Lithuanian leader emphasized.

According to Nauseda, it is crucial that peace in Ukraine is not decided without Ukraine; therefore, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should take part in future meetings. Although Ukraine is ready for a genuine, fair, and comprehensive peace process, it cannot be required to give up its territories. Even more so, such a requirement cannot be a precondition for a ceasefire.

"A comprehensive ceasefire without preconditions is essential before any real negotiations can begin," the Lithuanian president said.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are meeting in Alaska on Friday.