‘Fatigue in Europe’: Lithuania among few fighting for Russia sanctions

The European Union continues to struggle with reaching agreement on its 21st package of sanctions against Russia, with Lithuania standing out as one of the few nations pushing for the harshest measures. The bloc's internal divisions have become evident, particularly regarding the scope and impact of economic pressure on Moscow. Lithuania’s ambassador to the EU, Nerijus Aleksiejūnas, has noted growing signs of European fatigue toward sustained punitive actions against Russia, suggesting a shift in sentiment among some member states. The proposed sanctions include measures such as restricting the movement of Russian soldiers within the EU, banning the transportation of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), and limiting financial ties. However, these proposals face resistance from several key members. France, Italy, and Spain have opposed the ban on Russian soldiers entering Europe, citing concerns over the potential disruption of diplomatic relations and the flow of refugees. These countries also issued the highest number of visas to Russian citizens in the past year, indicating a broader reluctance to impose strict border controls. Compromise appears to be the path forward, with discussions shifting toward postponing final decisions until the autumn. The European Commission will take charge of the process, ensuring that no single nation can unilaterally block the measure. Aleksiejūnas suggested that revising the visa code could offer a more sustainable solution, emphasizing the need for clear legal frameworks to govern cross-border movements. One of the most contentious elements of the sanctions package is the EU’s proposal to prohibit the transportation of Russian gas and the sale of specialized tankers to Russia. This has sparked fierce opposition from Greece, which plays a central role in manufacturing ice-class vessels used for transporting Russian LNG. Analysts argue that these ships are uniquely suited for Arctic conditions, and no other country or company outside of Russia is engaged in similar projects. Petras Katinas, an expert at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), highlighted that Greece not only supplies tankers to Russia but also facilitates the transport of Russian gas, generating approximately €2 billion in revenue last year. The situation is further complicated by the depletion of gas storage facilities during the exceptionally cold winter, leading to increased demand for Russian gas. Imports from Russia rose by nearly 20% compared to the previous year, with the EU paying close to €6 billion for the supply. Despite this, the ban on Russian gas imports is scheduled to take effect next year, prompting speculation that some countries may pre-purchase larger quantities to avoid future disruptions. Debate also surrounds the implementation of a price cap on Russian oil. Lithuania advocates for maintaining the cap at $44 per barrel, arguing that lifting it would allow Russian oil to enter the global market at higher prices. However, Greece, Malta, and Cyprus oppose freezing the price, fearing that it might undermine the effectiveness of the sanctions. Katinas pointed out that this disagreement signals a potential retreat from the EU’s commitment to stringent economic measures. Despite these challenges, Lithuanian diplomats acknowledge areas of agreement. Aleksiejūnas emphasized that the sanctions package includes efforts to restrict Russia’s access to financial markets, capital, and alternative funding sources such as cryptocurrencies. He described the package as containing “much more” than just the visible components, underscoring the complexity of the strategy aimed at isolating Russia economically. As negotiations continue, the outcome of the EU’s deliberations will shape the trajectory of its response to Russia’s actions, influencing both regional stability and international trade dynamics. The final decision, expected to be made in the coming months, will determine whether the bloc maintains its unified stance or begins to fragment under the weight of diverging interests.