Nausėda opposes US, Russia and China talks without Kyiv

Criticism of the Kremlin's trilateral format initiative

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda voiced harsh criticism of the idea put forward by Russia to hold trilateral negotiations between the US, Russia and China to end the Russian-Ukrainian war without the presence of the Ukrainian side. The head of state told journalists on Thursday, LRT reports.

In the view of the Lithuanian leader, any meeting formats that exclude Ukrainian representatives raise serious suspicions about a possible division of spheres of influence.

Risk of repeating a historical scenario

Nausėda emphasised that Ukraine, as the party against whom the war is being waged, must necessarily participate in peace negotiations. He warned that Moscow's proposals, particularly the format involving China and the US, raise suspicions that the World War II scenario could be repeated.

“Ukraine itself must necessarily participate in the negotiations, therefore the formats proposed by Russia itself, for example, the format involving China, the US and Russia, raise suspicions that the World War II scenario could be repeated and a division into spheres of influence could take place. This causes great concern throughout the region,” – noted the President of Lithuania.

China's role and the need for a European representative

In addition, Gitanas Nausėda stressed that China cannot act as a completely impartial mediator as long as it continues to play the role of an accomplice to Russia in the war against Ukraine.

The President of Lithuania also proposed involving a European representative in the negotiation process. He justified this by stating that the end of hostilities would have a decisive impact on security, as well as the general economic and social situation in the entire European region.

“The end of the war will strongly affect security and the general economic and social situation across the entire European continent, therefore the participation of European representatives in the negotiations would be entirely natural, but for this we must establish very clear criteria,” – he added.

António Costa's mandate as a key factor

According to Nausėda, various names are mentioned among possible candidates for the role of EU representative, but the main criterion is the possession of an official mandate from all 27 member states of the Union. Currently, such a mandate is held by European Council President António Costa.

“Many names are mentioned, but one criterion is particularly important – such a person must have a mandate from all 27 EU member states. Currently, such an official mandate has been granted to António Costa. Therefore, perhaps there is no need for any additional mandate,” – explained the President.

To conclude, Nausėda added that Russia would resist any European participation in peace negotiations, so representatives of the continent would have to make additional diplomatic efforts.