Due to its proximity to Russia, Lithuania is aware of the danger of letting Russian president Vladimir Putin remain in power, Landsbergis told the Chamber of Deputies. The minister also explained that while a complete embargo on the import of raw materials from Russia cost Lithuania a lot--it imports 30% of its gas from its neighbour--“it’s a price we need to pay.”

The subject of Ukrainian and Iraqi refugees was also broached during the discussions between Fernand Etgen--the president of the parliament--and Landsbergis. While Ukrainians are displaced by the war occurring in the country, Iraqi refugees have been chased to the EU borders by Belarus’ authorities. Landsbergis also underlined that, on top of the current sanctions and aid in place--the EU should now focus on supporting Ukraine in its reconstruction.

Landsbergis also met with Asselborn (LSAP)--who at the start of the week had stated that providing weapons to Ukraine would be more effective. An oil and gas embargo would have knock-on effects across the entire union with some countries less able to cope with the consequences than big economies like Germany, Asselborn said arriving at an EU foreign ministers’ on 11 April. An embargo would not stop Putin, he said.

In his meeting with his Lithuanian counterpart, Asselborn expressed his worries around the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn country, as well as the large influx of refugees into the EU. Luxembourg’s foreign affairs minister, however, reassured Landsbergis that the grand duchy is extending its welcoming capacities, as well as its aid to Ukraine.

During a global pledging event last week, prime minister Xavier Bettel (DP) announced , in addition to material support, to the invaded nation. A

The ministers also exchanged on other EU matters, and on the European city of culture, which this year is represented by Lithuania’s Kaunas and Luxembourg’s Esch.