The West enables Russia to use its fear of escalation to serve Kremlin's interests.

This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis, reports LRT.

"The West's fear of escalation by providing air defense systems to Ukraine will allow Russia to exploit such indecisiveness to its advantage," he said.

The minister added that the success of joint efforts by Israel and its allies to defend against rockets and drones launched by Iran should lead to increased deliveries of air defense systems to Ukraine.

Landsbergis called for immediate strengthening of sanctions against Iran for its destabilizing actions in the region and support for Russian aggression against Ukraine, expanding bans on components used in drone production, and imposing bans related to ballistic missiles.

The minister highlighted the consequences of the West's delay in strengthening sanctions - over the weekend, about 300 ballistic and cruise missiles and drones Shahed were launched towards Israel, and last week Russia launched another 180 such Shahed drones towards Ukraine, which Russia uses in its aggressive war against Ukraine.

Identifying immediate priorities, the minister emphasized the need to prevent the escalation of conflict in the region, which "would have catastrophic consequences not only for the states of the Middle East but also for Ukraine, which continues to defend itself against Russia."