Lithuania's Nausėda: Not yet time for Russia peace talks

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has stated that the current moment is not opportune for initiating peace talks with Russia, asserting that Moscow has not demonstrated any genuine desire for negotiation or compromise. He articulated this position in an interview with Bloomberg, emphasizing that the appropriate time for diplomatic engagement will arrive only when Russia recognizes the necessity of making concessions.

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I always say that the right moment for such activity (establishing diplomatic contact) will be when Russia understands that it must concede on some issues. If they showed even a little willingness or positive signals that they want to start negotiating for peace, then it might be possible to establish that contact.

"I always say that the right moment for such activity (establishing diplomatic contact) will be when Russia understands that it must concede on some issues," Nausėda explained. He suggested that any positive signals or willingness from Russia to begin peace negotiations could pave the way for establishing contact. However, he noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has given no indication of wanting to negotiate or include European representatives at the table.

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Another extremely important factor is whether the EU speaks with one voice? There have been many attempts by leaders of different member states to start conversations with (Vladimir) Putin, and none have succeeded, so now we must learn from past mistakes and speak with one voice, as this would be much more beneficial for the entire Community.

Nausėda also highlighted the critical importance of the European Union maintaining a unified stance and speaking with a single voice when addressing Russia. He recalled past instances where individual EU member states attempted dialogue with Putin, all of which proved unsuccessful. "We must learn from past mistakes and speak with one voice, as this would be much more beneficial for the entire Community," he urged. The Lithuanian president expressed doubt that Russia respects the EU as much as it does the United States, despite the EU's imposition of 20 sanction packages aimed at harming Russia's economy.

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I don't think now is the time to start negotiations with Putin, because he doesn't want to see us at the table. Putin respects power, he respects and fears the US, but whether he feels the same about the EU – I doubt it.