Lithuania Rejects Russia's Offer to Ease EU Sanctions

On Thursday, the Lithuanian government rejected Russia's request for relief from existing European Union (EU) sanctions in return for an agreement on the safe export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea.

The Lithuanian Radio and Television Network quoted Lithuanian Deputy Foreign Minister Jovita Neliopsic as saying during her current stay in Brussels: "I don't think we should rush to make any concessions to Moscow, this is not the first time we have seen blackmail.

She added that this attempt to use grain, foodstuffs, and food security as a weapon proves once again that there is no limit to Russian aggression and Russian action. I don't think easing sanctions will solve the problem."

The Lithuanian diplomat stressed that the West should look for ways to guarantee Ukrainian grain exports, noting that "we can export more than 25 million tons of grain through the Baltic ports."

Also, a European diplomat, who spoke - on condition of anonymity - told the Lithuanian network that the EU is ready to listen to Russia's requests referred by the United Nations (UN) to renew the Ukrainian grain export agreement, including lifting part of the sanctions imposed on Moscow.