Lithuanian President Criticizes German Chancellor Over Russia Sanctions Inaction

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has sharply criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other Western leaders for repeatedly threatening sanctions against Russia without following through, which he says undermines Europe's credibility and weakens support for Ukraine. Nausėda highlighted that despite promises to supply Ukraine with fighter jets, long-range missiles, and ammunition, these commitments remain unfulfilled, leaving Ukraine inadequately equipped in an urgent situation. He described existing sanctions as insufficient and called for a more decisive 18th sanctions package targeting Russian energy companies and financial institutions to significantly impact Russia's war capabilities. Nausėda also warned that Russia's aggression poses a broader threat to Europe beyond Ukraine and stressed that the Baltic and Nordic countries exemplify strong political will in supporting Ukraine effectively. After a joint call by Merz and other European leaders for a 30-day ceasefire was ignored by Russia, no new sanctions were imposed, further eroding trust. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has hesitated to strengthen sanctions to avoid jeopardizing peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv, adding complexity to the international response.