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Lithuanian president warns of possible Russian aggression in Europe before 2030

20.03.2025 15:00
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda cautioned on Wednesday that Russia could strike again in Europe as soon as before 2030.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda arrives for a European Council summit in Brussels, Belgium, 20 March 2025. Competitiveness, the latest developments in Ukraine and the European defense policy will be discussed by EU leaders at the summit.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda arrives for a European Council summit in Brussels, Belgium, 20 March 2025. Competitiveness, the latest developments in Ukraine and the European defense policy will be discussed by EU leaders at the summit. EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS

Speaking ahead of an EU summit in Brussels, Nauseda said Lithuania’s defense planning envisions such a scenario and urged tougher sanctions on Moscow rather than easing existing measures.

“Four to five years” to prepare

“We have four to five years. But if sanctions are lifted, we have even less time to brace for the next stage of Russian aggression,” Nauseda told reporters, calling the situation “serious.”

He argued that Europe must make decisive moves now to deter Russian threats and be ready for future conflict.

Call for expanded sanctions

Nauseda pressed for an accelerated process in crafting the EU’s 17th sanctions package, including a ban on liquefied natural gas imports from Russia. He also stressed the urgency of European rearmament, drawing parallels between the current atmosphere and the prelude to World War II.

“We face a strategic choice: let the aggressor escalate and intimidate, or stop them and paralyze their capabilities by building a credible defense barrier,” Nauseda said.

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Source: IAR