On 28 January, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kęstutis Budrys, met with the ambassadors of the member states of the European Union to Lithuania.

The meeting discussed EU support for Ukraine, transatlantic ties, European security and defence, sanctions against Russia and Belarus.

Budrys called on the EU member states to urgently find ways to respond to the support needs of Ukraine's energy sector and provide military assistance for its protection.

The Minister stressed the urgent need for the EU to finalise a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, ensuring the flexibility to finance urgent military needs, as well as make rapid decisions regarding Ukraine's upcoming EU membership

"We must not forget that Ukraine is today making sacrifices in terms of human lives and blood to defend Europe. A just and lasting peace in Ukraine is a priority for European security, as it is directly linked to the continent's overall peace and stability. We must not only make political statements, but take the necessary decisions for our own security and that of Ukraine," the Minister said.

According to the head of Lithuania's diplomacy, the EU must act more decisively to intensify its pressure on Russia to break the aggressor's war economy. The Minister urged the EU countries to approve as soon as possible the 20th sanctions package, focusing on tightening restrictions against Russia's energy, financial, and technology sectors, including specific measures against Lukoil and a crackdown on the Russian shadow fleet.

According to Budrys, Europe cannot ignore geopolitical changes and the security situation in the world, and must accelerate the strengthening of its defence capabilities and increase investment in security.

"The world is changing, and the time for Europe to sleep on a cloud is over. Europe needs to move from writing strategic documents to actually implementing them," the Minister said.

The Minister also discussed the strengthening of transatlantic ties with EU ambassadors. Budrys said that Europe's security partnership with the United States is vital and needs to be expanded and strengthened.

The meeting took place at the initiative of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.