The key facts

  • The presidents of Poland and Lithuania in Warsaw called for maintaining international pressure on Russia, despite measures to stabilize energy markets.
  • Nausėda proposed new sanctions, tighter visa policy and measures against Russian operatives working under diplomatic cover.
  • Kyiv and some European leaders criticize the American-Russian deal to resume Russian diesel exports as a source of revenue for Moscow.

Meeting in Warsaw: security and pressure on Moscow

Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Tuesday, October 20, warned that efforts to stabilize global energy markets must not weaken international pressure on Russia. He spoke at a meeting with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda in Warsaw devoted to regional security and Moscow's war in Ukraine. According to Nawrocki, Poland and Lithuania consider Russia the main threat to the region's security and are interested in strengthening NATO's eastern flank.

Nausėda's proposals and threat assessment

Nausėda called for increasing pressure on Moscow through additional sanctions, tighter visa policy and measures against Russian operatives working under diplomatic cover. According to a report by Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT citing a statement, he noted that Russia's actions are becoming increasingly aggressive and unpredictable, and threats are growing not only on the EU's eastern borders but across the entire continent. 'Both of our countries are experiencing hybrid attacks, cyberattacks, sabotage and disinformation campaigns, constant violations of airspace and interference with signals of the global satellite navigation system,' LRT quoted him as saying. Nausėda also emphasized the importance of transatlantic relations, calling the presence of American troops in Europe indispensable for the continent's security and a key part of credible deterrence.

Criticism of the American-Russian diesel deal

The statements came amid criticism in Europe and Ukraine of the American-Russian arrangement that will allow the resumption of Russian diesel exports after Washington eased part of the sanctions — a step aimed at stabilizing fuel prices. Kyiv and some European leaders criticized the deal, pointing out that it will provide Moscow with additional revenue while the war in Ukraine continues.

Topics of the talks

The Chancellery of the Polish president said the leaders discussed regional security, military cooperation, energy relations and the priorities of Lithuania's upcoming presidency of the EU Council. Poland and Lithuania — NATO members bordering Russia or its ally Belarus — have repeatedly called for strengthening deterrence on the alliance's eastern flank and for continuing military and financial support for Ukraine.