Lithuania clearly states what it will not agree to in the event of negotiations with Russia

The head of Lithuanian diplomacy commented in this way on the talks between the US, Ukraine and Russia, which are taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday in Abu Dhabi. The media reported that one of the topics of the negotiations may be long-term security on the continent.

"Existential" meaning for Vilnius

Budrys noted that Vilnius rejects a return to mechanisms limiting the deployment of conventional troops in Europe. These are solutions in which Moscow could influence the presence of allied forces on NATO's eastern flank, while maintaining full freedom to dispose of its own army on its territory.

According to the minister, such arrangements would pose an existential threat to Lithuania. He also recalled that opposition to limiting the presence of troops and weapons in Lithuania and neighboring countries was included in the program of the Lithuanian government.

Europe should participate in the talks

According to Budrys, agreements on European security cannot be concluded without the participation of European countries, especially those bordering on Russia. He assessed that the interests of the continent should be represented by the institutions of the European Union. He admitted, however, that member states had not yet agreed on a common model for such representation.

The Lithuanian minister also stated that the debate on the new security architecture is premature for now. First - as he pointed out - there should be a ceasefire in Ukraine, and then the terms of peace and guarantees for Kiev should be agreed. He emphasized the need for further military, energy and financial support for Ukraine.