Polish, Liuthuanian presidents call for renewed international pressure on Russia
- ‘Both our countries are experiencing hybrid attacks, cyberattacks, sabotage and disinformation campaigns, constant airspace violations and interference with global satellite navigation system signals,’ Lithuanian president says
By Jo Harper
WARSAW (AA) - Polish President Karol Nawrocki warned on Tuesday that efforts to stabilize global energy markets must not weaken international pressure on Russia.
Nawrocki made the remarks as he met Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda in Warsaw for talks focused on regional security and Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Nauseda urged increased pressure on Moscow through additional sanctions, tighter visa policy and measures against Russian operatives working under diplomatic cover.
The warning comes amid criticism in Europe and Ukraine of a US-Russia agreement that would allow Russian diesel exports to resume after Washington eased some sanctions, a move intended to help stabilize fuel prices.
Kyiv and some European leaders have criticized the deal as providing Moscow with additional revenue while its war in Ukraine continues.
Nawrocki said Poland and Lithuania regarded Russia as the region's principal security threat and shared an interest in strengthening NATO’s eastern flank.
The Polish presidential office said the two leaders discussed regional security, military cooperation, energy relations and the priorities of Lithuania’s forthcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Nauseda said Russia’s actions were becoming increasingly aggressive and difficult to predict, and warned that threats were growing not only on the EU’s eastern borders but across the continent.
“Both our countries are experiencing hybrid attacks, cyberattacks, sabotage and disinformation campaigns, constant airspace violations and interference with global satellite navigation system signals,” he said, according to a statement reported by Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining the transatlantic relationship, saying the US military presence in Europe was indispensable to the continent’s security and remained crucial for credible deterrence.
Poland and Lithuania, both NATO members bordering Russia or its ally Belarus, have repeatedly urged stronger deterrence on the alliance’s eastern flank and continued military and financial support for Ukraine.