To prevent a possible escalation by the Russian Federation and the deteriorating security situation in Europe, the international community must take strong preventive steps, rather than reacting to events that have already taken place, as it was with the migration crisis on Poland and Lithuania's borders with Belarus. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was speaking with the media after a trilateral meeting with the presidents of Poland and Lithuania at the Syniohora state residence in the village of Huta in Ivano-Frankivsk region.
"What are "sanctions after"? I believe that there should be strong preventive steps, serious sanctions, so that there is not even a thought of escalation in any region, because we see that this already touches not only to Ukraine, but also any state of the European Union," Zelenskyy said.
The President said that Ukraine, which is not yet a member of NATO and the EU, is now actively developing friendly relations with its neighbors, in particular, to strengthen security in the region. Zelenskyy reminded that our state immediately helped Moldova during the energy crisis and Lithuania during the migration crisis.
"That is why today, we are meeting with our friends from Lithuania and Poland, because they understand that we also need their support today," the Head of State said.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda also believes that sanctions should be convincing.
"We are imposing sanctions to change their behavior. They should understand: if something happens, there will be an immediate and very serious response," he said.
According to the Lithuanian leader, it is important that the actions of EU countries are supported by countries such as the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
For his part, Polish President Andrzej Duda said that historical records have shown that no ultimatums of certain countries, including Russia, can be accepted.
He is convinced that one of the main factors that the new escalation by Russia is not becoming a reality is that after Russia's aggression against Ukraine in 2014, NATO militarily strengthened its eastern flank.
"I think the biggest mistake is to agree to blackmail. We have to take a strong position. And this is exactly how NATO should behave, be consistent," the President of Poland said.
