Nausėda: Now Is Not the Right Time for Talks with Russia

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda stated that the current moment is not suitable for negotiations with Russia regarding the end of the war in Ukraine. In an interview with Bloomberg, he emphasized that Moscow must first show willingness to compromise and send positive signals before any diplomatic contacts can be initiated.

Nausėda stressed that the European Union must maintain a unified stance towards Russia. He recalled that several European leaders have already attempted to start talks with Vladimir Putin, all without success. In his view, Putin respects strength and fears the United States, but not Europe, so negotiations would be futile at this time.

It has been reported that recent brief diplomatic contacts took place between the EU and Russia, initiated by European Council President António Costa. An EU official confirmed these were only short contacts without substantive exchange of views, aimed at establishing communication channels. Relations between Brussels and Moscow have been frozen since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Reactions among EU leaders varied. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof noted no real readiness from Putin for serious talks. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker supported dialogue, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he knew little about the initiative.

The EU summit's joint statement expressed support for diplomatic efforts while calling on Russia to demonstrate genuine willingness for peace, including agreeing to a ceasefire.