Kremlin's genocidal policy is based on illegal deportation and forced Russification of Ukrainian children. Ukraine must never be forced into a compromise on this issue. Join hands with Ukraine, speak up and say it louder for the people in the back. #BringKidsBack
As the critical US-Russia summit in Alaska approaches, speculation about a possible territorial “swap” between #Ukraine and #Russia is surfacing. There have been claims that the occupation of parts of Ukraine would be “temporary” and only “de facto”, leaving hope for their return to Ukraine in the future. History warns us to think twice. We, the Baltic nations know what “only de facto” Russian occupation means and that “temporary” can last half a century.
Putin’s goals have not changed. He aims to subjugate Ukraine, split allies and get a say over European security. The only sure path to lasting peace is through strength: unwavering transatlantic unity to sustain pressure on Russia, maximum support to Ukraine so it can defend its people and territory, and deep, sustained investment in our own defence and security. Only then will Moscow’s aggression be met with the one language it respects - resolve.
Our joint op-ed with @Braze_Baiba and @Tsahkna for @FT: https://t.co/icoIoHbiBY
🇭🇺Hungary’s Gripens and 🇪🇸Spain’s Eurofighters have taken over Baltic Air Policing duties in 🇱🇹Šiauliai. A strong show of NATO’s resolve on the Eastern flank: ready 24/7 to defend every inch of Allied territory.
#SecuringTheSkies#StrongerTogether
🇱🇹DefMin @DSakaliene visited troops in Šiauliai, including NATO allies from Hungary & Spain serving on the Baltic Air Policing.
Face-to-face talks with the troops are essential: they help identify real needs & shape the political decisions needed to improve service conditions.
Yesterday in Madrid, I joined the opening of the photo exhibition 'Faces of Freedom'.
These powerful photographs by Vadzim Zamirouski capture courage, dignity, and hope. They remind us what unites us—and why we continue the struggle.
Thank you @IMAGURU_Madrid & @TaniaMarinich!
El Rey preside, en el Palacio Real de Madrid, el acto institucional conmemorativo del XL aniversario de la firma del Tratado de Adhesión de España a las Comunidades Europeas.
➡️https://t.co/nIggJ4Eko9
🚲 Para celebrar el #DíaMundialDeLaBicicleta, embajadores de varias misiones diplomáticas subieron a #bicimad para recorrer #Madrid.
➡️ Al finalizar el trayecto, María José Aparicio Sanchiz, coordinadora general de Movilidad del Ayuntamiento de @MADRID, les recibió en Cibeles.
"Putin is the only person who can end this war. And he can do it right now – there is nothing to negotiate." In an interview with Spain's biggest daily @el_pais, FM @BudrysKestutis urges European allies to ramp up military spending and impose more sanctions on Moscow.
Productive meeting today in Madrid with my Spanish colleague @jmalbares.
I’m grateful for Spain’s presence in Lithuania and its contribution to strengthening NATO’s frontline. At this pivotal moment for Europe's security, our close cooperation is more vital than ever.
To meet the challenges ahead all European Allies must step up their defence investment. Let’s work together on building a stronger Europe& #NATO!
🇱🇹🤝🇪🇸
España y Lituania mantenemos unas excelentes relaciones. Somos socios @NATO y estamos comprometidos con el apoyo a Ucrania y la seguridad europea.
Hoy en Madrid, le he reiterado a mi homólogo @BudrysKestutis el compromiso de España con la seguridad de Lituania y los Bálticos.
Russia is generating forces now, and #NATO must match that urgency with increased defense spending. It’s doable – Lithuania🇱🇹 is already #2 in defense spending, and next year we’ll lead the Alliance at 5.25% of GDP.
Putin's answer to yet another ceasefire proposal: a swarm of 100 drones raining down on #Ukraine overnight. Putin is playing his usual game - wielding terror as leverage and stalling for time to avoid any real path to peace.
Talking peace while Russian bombs keep falling on Ukrainian civilians is a farce. The rules are clear - unconditional ceasefire from Monday or face new tougher sanctions.
The fact that Putin rushed to hold a press conference less than 24 hours after European leaders, backed by the U.S., demanded an unconditional ceasefire tells us everything. This approach works - and we must stick to it.
Now we must follow through. If Russian guns do not go silent by Monday, a new round of sanctions must be enforced - without hesitation.
A must-read: 'Putin fantasizes about another Yalta, where he can draw borders on Europe’s map, once again
undermining international law and the right of nations in Russia’s neighbourhood to make their own choices and decisions. We must never allow this.' https://t.co/TitL7GBAfO
📄 Mi artículo (en 🇪🇸🇬🇧🇩🇪🇫🇷 y otros idiomas) sobre la industria de defensa de #Lituania y las oportunidades estratégicas con #España.
La seguridad de Europa se construye juntos. Es hora de actuar unidos. #OTAN#UE https://t.co/i04FfalyIM @DSakaliene@BudrysKestutis@KubiliusA
We matched with the EU in 2004, and we've been thriving ever since:
📈 Lithuania's GDP per capita has grown 4.6x
✅ 90% of Lithuanians say it’s benefited them
😊 Lithuanian young people are the happiest in the world
It's the perfect match, and now we flourish together! 🇪🇺🇱🇹
Embajador de Letonia@JZlamets con @LPuisyteB y Nils Haugstveit de @NoruegaenEspana en el marco de cooperación nórdico báltica NB8 dió la conferencia sobre las amenazas y desafíos de seguridad actuales en @UPODerecho. Gran éxito entre los estudiantes de @pablodeolavide
📣La Facultad de Derecho de la @pablodeolavide organiza la Conferencia con Embajadores "Nordic-Baltic Cooperation".
🗓️24 abril
⏰13.00h
📍Salón de Grados del Edificio 25 (Biblioteca)
🔴Si no puedes asistir, conéctate al directo aquí: https://t.co/oEqK2qsYXA
Two day regional 🇱🇹Ambassadors conference in Brussels is over. Great discussions on pressing EU & NATO issues with Defence & Space Commissioner @KubiliusA, @EU_Commission SecGen Ilze Juhansone and @DepSecGenNATO. And a photo with my wonderful colleagues in Rome, Madrid & London.