“The whole world stands with Ukraine today, but the assistance still needs to be significantly increased, both, qualitatively and quantitatively. We have to make Russia pay for its war crimes, NATO and the European Union must work side by side so that Russia’s war in Ukraine is ended,” said Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas, in attendance at the extraordinary NATO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Brussels on March 16.
The ministerial began with a joint session with Ministers of Defence of Georgia, Finland, Sweden and Ukraine, and representatives of the European Union. The Ukrainian counterpart was in attendance via digital means. A. Anušauskas underscored in his remarks that Lithuania will continue providing every possible assistance to Ukraine as it was fending off the Russian military aggression.
“Ukraine is asking for more anti-aircraft and anti-tank weapons from NATO countries. We all should collect these weapons and send them to Ukraine as soon as possible. Together we must end Russia’s war in Ukraine: Russia must be punished and Ukraine who has demonstrated its fortitude so well must be given all possible assistance and the prospect of EU membership,” said A. Anušauskas.
Minister also underscored that sanctions on Russia must be tightened yet more, the pressure of the international community on Russia needed to be mobilized, and a clear signal given to China the consequences its decision to support Russia in this war would bring.
