Vilnius: Renewed calls for engagement with Russia do not reflect Europe’s security needs, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said on Monday. Speaking at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s spring session in Lithuania’s parliament, Nauseda emphasized that Europe’s future security was being decided in Ukraine and stressed that Russia should be contained rather than courted.

According to Anadolu Agency, Nauseda stated, “At this point, there is also no escaping the fact that the future of European security is being decided in Ukraine. But first, Russia must be stopped. It has to be contained, not courted. Renewed calls for engagement with Moscow do not reflect Europe’s security needs.” These remarks come amid intensified discussions in Europe over possible future contacts with Moscow, as US-led efforts to end the war in Ukraine have stalled since it began in February 2022.

EU foreign ministers have recently discussed potential conditions for negotiations with Russia, agreeing that any future engagement should be coordinated through the bloc’s institutions. The debate has also been fueled by reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder could represent Europe in potential talks, an idea rejected by European officials.

Nauseda argued that any approach toward Moscow must be based on deterrence and clear conditions, rather than efforts to normalize relations. “Failing to set clear conditions and build credible deterrence would be more likely to embolden the aggressor than moderate its behavior,” he said.

The Lithuanian leader also called for stronger support for Ukraine, asserting that NATO allies have sufficient resources to increase assistance if they demonstrate the necessary political will. He proposed that approximately $143 billion could be raised annually for Ukraine if every NATO member allocated 0.25% of its gross domestic product to support Kyiv. “The issue is not a lack of resources but a lack of political will and fair burden-sharing,” Nauseda stated.

Additionally, Nauseda urged NATO allies to strengthen transatlantic ties, suggesting the alliance should reinforce its partnership with the US rather than seek alternatives, particularly as Washington considers reducing its military presence in Europe.