Halting Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries at the request of the United States, while Russia continues destroying Ukraine's energy infrastructure, would have catastrophic consequences.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda made the statement ahead of the European Council meeting.
"A ceasefire is a process that requires reciprocity. It cannot be a one-way process: if Ukraine stops attacking Russian energy infrastructure, Russia will have complete freedom to attack Ukrainian energy infrastructure. This would lead to a complete collapse in the context of this war. I do not understand how one can talk about a ceasefire while imposing demands and conditions on only one of the parties," Nausėda said.
He stressed that Russia is also obliged to comply with and respect international rules, although it would be naive to expect a country that launched a war in 2022 to observe them.
The Lithuanian president appealed to the United States to remember that America and Europe are friends and stand together on the right side of history.
"Please, let us remain united within our family, because Russia is challenging our way of life, our rules, the rule of law, democratic standards and human rights," Nausėda urged.
He emphasised that the issue is no longer simply about territory. Russia is challenging the Western way of life itself.
Nausėda assured that Lithuania would remain in solidarity with Ukraine during this extremely difficult period.
"We must continue putting pressure on Russia: imposing sanctions, discussing the possible blocking of grain exports through Baltic Sea ports, and providing Ukraine with military, political and economic support," the president stressed.
The Lithuanian leader also welcomed the opening of two negotiation clusters in Ukraine's EU accession process and expressed hope that the remaining two would be opened.
"Ukraine needs positive signals, and under the current circumstances, Europe is the one that can provide them. One of the most important signals is the prospect — the light at the end of the tunnel — of Ukraine's integration into the European Union," Nausėda said.
