Main image: by ERVIN RAULUŠEVIČIUS | ELTA
The European Union should designate Russian military intelligence as a terrorist organisation and increase sanctions pressure on Moscow.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys made the statement ahead of a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg.
"Sanctions only work when pressure increases," the minister stressed.
In his view, the EU demonstrated weakness by removing two Russian oligarchs from its sanctions list. Russia responded by escalating its actions in Ukraine, Europe and other countries.
"What Russia has tested in Ukraine, it is now exporting to Europe. We must respond with what we know works: increasing pressure, expanding sanctions and reinforcing Russia's isolation," Budrys said.
He also called for a reassessment of the EU's approach to Russia's Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, commonly known as the GRU.
"They are already operating as a terrorist organisation. Therefore, the EU should designate them as a terrorist organisation, including everyone involved with it," the Lithuanian foreign minister stressed.
According to Budrys, Europe can prevent Russia's attempts to provoke chaos in European capitals only by demonstrating determination and increasing pressure on the Kremlin.
