Lithuanian President opposes easing sanctions against Russia in exchange for extension of the “grain deal”

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda believes it is wrong to ease sanctions against Russia in exchange for an agreement on the safe export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. He told journalists in Klaipeda, LRT reports.

“We believe that it is extremely unfair to ease sanctions against dictators,” Nausėda said.

According to him, “this is the position of all authorities, regardless of the level of discussion.”

The Lithuanian president emphasized that sanctions should not be eased against either Russia or Belarus.

He also added that Lithuania believes that sanctions against Belarus should be as tough as those against Russia.

As you know, on July 17, Russia announced the suspension of the grain deal and threatened “risks” to the parties that decide to continue the initiative without Russia’s participation.

After that, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he believed in the possibility of continuing the Black Sea Grain Initiative after his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

After the “grain deal” failed, Russia systematically strikes Odesa region, targeting, among other things, port infrastructure for grain exports and storage facilities.

Tags: Black Sea grain deal, Lithuania