Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda sharply criticized Western leaders, especially German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, over their failure to enforce promised sanctions against Russia, which continues its war against Ukraine, reports Baltimore Chronicle citing Bild.
In an interview, when asked whether Merz had undermined Europe’s authority, Nausėda replied unequivocally: “Absolutely. That’s a problem.” He emphasized that this failure affects not only the credibility of the sanctions but also all Western measures directed at Russia, as well as ongoing support for Ukraine.
Last month, following a visit to Kyiv, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, together with French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, called on Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire. The leaders warned of new sanctions in case of refusal. However, Russia ignored the appeal, and no new sanctions have been imposed.
Nausėda also highlighted that Western countries are not delivering on their pledges to provide military aid. “We have repeatedly stated that we support Ukraine and promised to supply combat aircraft, long-range missiles, and ammunition. But we are failing to deliver on these promises,” he said. According to Nausėda, Ukrainians need weapons and ammunition now—not tomorrow.
Earlier we wrote that The United States and Ukraine are responsible for turning to the negotiating table together with the Europeans, – Nausėda.