“When it comes to today’s relations between Lithuania and Russia, certainly, our country is very sensitive about developments in Ukraine, it is emphatic, many ask the question of what could come next. On the other hand, calling Russia aggressor from a rostrum every time you can does not contribute to boosting the safety of the people of Lithuania, this sends a message of panic to foreign markets and investors, and the number of people in Russia viewing Lithuania in a good light is declining,” the diplomat told Lietuvos Žinios.
“We should do our homework in a more reserved, consistent and calmer manner – we should boost our economy, improve education and higher education, earmark the necessary resources for defence and be ready for it, develop cooperation with the United States and other countries of NATO and the European Union,” Ušackas added.
In his words, what Lithuania needs is a “psychological de-escalation of relations with Russia”.
“We cannot change Russia, we cannot change our neighbourhood. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the cooperation, the dialogue, especially in the areas that have not been affected by sanctions, we should be in contact with Russian people, universities and university students, as well as the Kaliningrad region that is close to us,” according to Ušackas.
Be the first to comment