The Lithuanian leader called for a review of priorities among coalition nations and for the acceleration of military assistance delivery. “Ukraine’s armed forces need equipment here and now, including purchases directly from Ukraine’s defense industry,” the President emphasized. “Strengthening Ukraine’s military power and ensuring ongoing support are key elements in deterring Russia.”
According to the President, it is time to move forward. A ceasefire proposal, unconditionally accepted by Ukraine but ignored by Putin, has remained on the table since March. Russia continues to carry out attacks against civilians even during the so-called three-day ceasefire period falsely announced by the Kremlin. “We must focus on what we can do: strengthen Ukraine’s right to self-defense, ensure military support and firmly uphold its territorial integrity. We also say ‘no’ to disarming Ukraine or forcing it into neutrality, and we must maintain sanctions pressure on Russia until a sustainable peace agreement is reached. Together with the United States and coalition partners, we discussed the need to present a new 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposal. If rejected or violated, strict measures against Russia must follow, including the strengthening of sanctions,” the President stated.
The President also underscored the importance of securing active U.S. involvement in implementing security guarantees. At the same time, he stressed the necessity of European-led security forces. These forces must be credible, sufficiently numerous and equipped with clear rules of engagement and mandates to act without delay.
The meeting, organized by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, was attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as the leaders of Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Iceland, Norway, Canada, the Czech Republic, Romania, Belgium, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Croatia, and Türkiye. Also in attendance were NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
