„Lithuania’s position is clear and has been so from the very beginning – sanctions were imposed not because of balloons, but because the results of the 2020 presidential election raised serious doubts about their credibility, then instrumentalised migration began, followed by the forced landing of an aircraft, posing a threat to civil aviation safety. And, without a doubt, Belarus, as a close partner of Russia, is participating in the war against Ukraine,“ Nausėda told Žinių radijas.
He said all these reasons, discussed together at the European Council, led to the imposition of sanctions.
„Belarus’ behaviour has not changed since then, so I see no reason why we should reconsider this issue,“ Nausėda added.
The president also addressed recent US moves to lift sanctions on Belarusian fertilisers, saying Lithuania had received no guidance or requests from Washington on handling the transit.
„There have been no signals whatsoever from our American allies that we might be involved in any logistical procedures – such questions have not been raised. So, at this moment, there is nothing to discuss here,“ he said.
Commenting on the smuggling balloons released by Belarus, which have disrupted operations in Lithuania, particularly at Vilnius Airport, since October, Nausėda said he believed the situation was under control and hoped it would remain so.
He added that this had been achieved not only with support from international allies but also through the efforts of domestic services.
Nausėda also said the problem of Lithuanian trucks still stuck in Belarus could be resolved at a technical level if Minsk shows willingness to cooperate.
„At the technical level, there are all the possibilities to talk and resolve issues in a civilised manner f there is even the slightest willingness on the other side to do so. We will definitely use all the possibilities, and we are already doing so,“ the president said.