**Lithuania Urges Allies to Impose Stricter Measures on Russia**
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys is calling for stricter measures against Russia to prevent it from dragging out peace talks and escalating its demands. In an interview with The Kyiv Independent, Budrys said that the West must apply direct pressure to force Moscow to negotiate in good faith.
Budrys’ comments come amid US President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. Despite Trump’s mediation, Russia rejected a 30-day ceasefire agreed upon by Ukraine and the US, demanding concessions that would weaken Kyiv’s defenses. Russia has also continued to strike energy infrastructure in Kherson.
**Western Powers Must Act**
Budrys stressed that Western powers must take concrete action to pressure Moscow into negotiating in good faith. He noted that Russia has never agreed to anything without exact pressure in history.
US President Trump has floated the idea of additional sanctions and tariffs on Russian oil, but no concrete action has been taken yet. Budrys urged setting deadlines to prevent Russia from prolonging negotiations and insisted that the West’s commitment to Ukraine must remain firm.
**European Allies Must Step Up**
Budrys also called on European allies to take a more active role in supporting Ukraine. He noted that while the US refuses to provide security guarantees, several European nations have been preparing plans to send troops to Ukraine as part of a “reassurance force” in case a ceasefire is reached.
France has proposed stationing forces along the Dnipro River, while other proposals include sending forces to western Ukraine or a neighboring country.