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However, although the current measures are not enough, as of 2014. the sanctions imposed on Russia “do their job,” said G. Nausėda.
According to the president, the most economically painful sanctions measure for the Kremlin at the moment would be restrictions on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline connecting Germany and Russia.
“Of course, we need to include the Nord Stream 2 project in the range of sanctions, because the sanctions on this project are probably the only restrictive measure that would be painful for the Russian regime,” Nausėda said in an interview.
Mr Naus saidda said that he expected Germany to raise the issue of stopping Nord Stream 2, but said that “it is not so easy to make final decisions” as the project has already reached the implementation stage.
“It just came to our attention then. I think since 2014. The sanctions imposed on Russia are affecting its economy, they have been painful, so perhaps they are the reason why the Russian authorities have become so concerned recently. EU-Russia relations, sanctions have an impact, but they are probably not enough yet. “
According to him, the EU should also impose “personal sanctions on those involved in the repression of the opposition, as in the case of Belarus”.
In total, the European Union has now imposed sanctions on Belarus against 88 people, including President Aliaksandr Lukashenko, and seven others responsible for the crackdown on the opposition.
In an interview, Nauseda commented on a statement made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that Russia could sever relations with the EU if it imposed sanctions on Moscow.
When asked if the European Union could respond to such statements by Moscow by suspending relations with Russia itself, the president said that the relations policy should be based on the fundamental values of the EU.
“We have to talk about the reasons for such a reaction (Russia – ELTA) – we are talking about the poisoning of A. Navaln, the persecution of him and other opposition leaders in the country. (…) Our policy must be based on fundamental values that are always important to the EU: human rights, the rule of law. And we cannot accept what is happening. I agree that the EU should impose sanctions (Russia – ELTA). We can discuss this at the summit of the European Council. I think sanctions will be one of the topics under discussion, “said G. Nausėda in an interview with DW.
The Lithuanian leader also noted that he expects relations with Russia to improve, but only with a clear diplomatic strategy and without ignoring Russia’s actions in neighboring countries.
“As for Russia, of course, I see his attempts to isolate himself from the West. I don’t know if it is good for Moscow, I do not think it is good for him, because we have to preserve our relations and address issues that are important not only for Lithuania, but also for the EU as a whole.We, as neighboring countries, have many issues to discuss, including transport, communications and tourism, and cultural links are also important to us.
I hope our relationship improves, but we must weave it on the basis of those core values that are of special importance to us. We cannot close our eyes and say that in 2014. Nothing happened in Ukraine and nothing happens in Belarus without the participation of Russia. We cannot ignore these facts. I think it is very important that the EU has a clear strategy for relations with Russia. Sometimes we do individual actions without a clear and coherent strategy, ”said G. Nausėda.
Commenting on the sometimes slow pace of the EU’s foreign policy in the public sphere, G. Nausėda stated that this problem arises due to the fact that the EU is made up of up to 27 member states.
“As you know, the EU has 27 member states. Obviously, it would be strange if they all had the same position towards Russia, since our experience, traditions and historical relations with this country are different. We are, for example, the immediate neighbors of Russia and some countries are far from it. In this case, it is very difficult to find a common denominator in politics. There is a long debate on this issue, but sometimes it is almost impossible to find a solution that is ideal for all. Perhaps it is a problem here, but it’s possible if we put in more effort, “said G. Nausėda.
According to the president, the EU would act faster if necessary.
“If there is a situation where the whole world sees Russia as a threat and its actions endanger its neighbors and the entire region, we will be able to find a common solution and impose sanctions when necessary,” Nausėda said.
Mr. Nausėda also said that the unsuccessful visit of the head of EU diplomacy, Joseph Borrell, to Moscow, during which three EU diplomats were sent from Russia, was not properly prepared.
“I don’t think it was the best day for EU diplomacy, in which case we must prepare much more carefully for such visits. I had the impression that the visit was not discussed in a complex way: with partners, colleagues, and the decision itself did not correspond to the situation, the facts, was not prepared and failed. Yes, I can admit it was a failure, ”said the President of Lithuania about J. Borrell’s visit.
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