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On 16 December, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys participated in the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council meeting. The EU foreign ministers discussed developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine and the situation in Georgia, the Middle East, and Belarus.

Budrys assured that with the change of the Lithuanian government, strong support for Ukraine will continue, and long-term commitments will be upheld by allocating 0.25% of Lithuanian GDP to support the country fighting against Russian aggression. The minister also emphasized the need to unblock 6.6 billion euros of military aid to Ukraine through the European Peace Facility as soon as possible and advocated for tightening sanctions against Russia and Belarus.

During discussions about the situation in Georgia, Budrys stressed that the EU cannot ignore the government’s violence against peaceful protesters. The head of Lithuanian diplomacy advocated for unified EU sanctions against Georgian officials and politicians directly involved in gross and systematic human rights violations and restrictions on fundamental freedoms in Georgia and called for the suspension of a visa-free regime for diplomatic passport holders.

Speaking about the situation in Belarus, Budrys reminded his EU colleagues that the Lukashenka regime still has 1,200 political prisoners locked up. According to the Foreign Minister, given this, it is essential to maintain sanctions against Belarus.

“Lithuania has referred the crimes of the Lukashenka regime to the International Criminal Court for investigation. What this regime is doing constitutes crimes against humanity. I urge our EU partners to follow Lithuania’s example. The Lukashenka regime must be held accountable,” stated the head of Lithuanian diplomacy.