On Thursday, President Gitanas Nausėda took part in the European Council meeting in Brussels, which discussed the latest situation in Ukraine, European Union support for this country, further sanctions against Russia, and Ukraine's prospects for European integration. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also participated in the meeting.

The discussions focused on potential solutions for financing Ukraine. The Head of State emphasized that a decision to provide financing to Ukraine is crucial to strengthening Ukraine's negotiating position in peace talks and reinforcing the European Union's strategic credibility.

The President noted that Russia continues to escalate its aggression against Ukraine by carrying out missile attacks, and emphasized that the European Union must take immediate strategic decisions. According to the Head of State, it is important for the European Council to adopt a decision that would ensure uninterrupted funding for Ukraine for at least the next two years.

"Russia continues to speak the language of military missiles, so the European Union must take real and urgent decisions. It is important that a decision has been reached to provide financial support to Ukraine for 2026-2027, ensuring the sustainability of financing for the country," the President said.

The Lithuanian leader also underscored the need to increase pressure on Russia by adopting a new, twentieth package of sanctions, strengthen measures against Russia's shadow fleet, prevent the circumvention of sanctions, and expand sectoral restrictive measures. The President also emphasized the need to sanction Russian oil, gas, and nuclear energy companies by cutting off opportunities for new contracts and investments.

The meeting also addressed Russia's accountability for international crimes. The President recalled that Lithuania was the first country to join the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and stressed that justice and accountability cannot be disregarded in any peace plans.

Considerable attention was devoted to the prospect of Ukraine's membership in the European Union. The President emphasized that Ukraine's accession to the EU is a strategic investment in the long-term security of Europe and therefore called for the immediate opening of all negotiation chapters with Ukraine and Moldova, as well as the setting of a target date for Ukraine's membership no later than 2030.

The discussions also highlighted the need for coordinated support for Ukraine's energy sector, as Russia continues attacks on critical infrastructure. The President noted that liquefied gas arriving via the Klaipėda LNG terminal is already reaching Ukrainian consumers in response to increased energy demand during the winter period. In addition, the continuity of military support to Ukraine was emphasized. Lithuania's military support to Ukraine has already reached €1 billion, including a commitment to allocate at least 0.25 percent of its gross domestic product.