Seimas calls on EU to continue sanctions against Russia

The resolution was adopted with 105 votes in favor, none against and one abstention.

“The Seimas is calling on EU member states to continue sanctions on the Russian Federation until the full implementation of the Minsk agreements,” the document reads.

According to the resolution, “any attempts to soften or lift sanctions against the Russian Federation now would encourage Russia’s aggressive policy and heighten the threat to the security of Ukraine, Lithuania and Europe as a whole.”

Laurynas Kasčiūnas, one of the authors of the resolution, said that as EU leaders prepare to discuss next month whether to maintain the bloc’s sanctions against Russia, there have been calls in Europe for reviewing the sanctions policy.

The resolution also says that the Seimas backs Ukraine’s aspirations to achieve a deeper political association and economic integration with the EU and, ultimately, membership of the bloc, and supports Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

At the same time, the parliament urges Ukraine to combat corruption and to continue reforms necessary for the modernization of the country.