To avoid a possible escalation on the part of the Russian Federation and a worsening of the situation in Europe, the international community must take strong preventive measures, rather than reacting to events that have already happened, as in the case of the migration crisis on the borders of Poland and Lithuania with Belarus. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said this during an interaction with the media after a trilateral meeting with the presidents of Poland and Lithuania in the residence "Synegora" in the village of Huta in Ivano-Frankivsk region, reports the Official Internet Portal of the President of Ukraine.
"What are the sanctions after? I believe that there should be powerful preventive things, serious sanctions, so that there was not even a thought of escalation in any region. Because we see that this is already linked not only to Ukraine, but also to any state of the European Union," said Vladimir Zelensky.
The President stressed:" Ukraine, which is not yet a member of NATO and the EU, is now actively strengthening friendly relations with its neighbors, in particular to strengthen security in the region. Volodymyr Zelenski reminded that our state instantly helped Moldova during the energy crisis and Lithuania during the migration crisis."
"This is why we are meeting today with our friends from Lithuania and Poland. Because they understand that we also need support today," the head of state said.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda also believes that sanctions must be persuasive.
"We impose sanctions to change their behavior. There must be an understanding: if something happens, there will be an immediate and very serious reaction," he said.
According to the President of Lithuania, it is important that the actions of the EU countries were supported by such countries as USA, Canada and Great Britain.
President of Poland Andrzej Duda said: Historical experience gives understanding that one should not agree to any ultimatums from certain countries, in particular from Russia.
He is convinced that one of the main factors that a new escalation by Russia is not becoming a reality is the fact that after Russia's aggression against Ukraine in 2014, NATO strengthened militarily its eastern flank.
"I think the biggest mistake is to settle for blackmail. We have to take a strong stance. And that is how NATO should behave, be consistent," the Polish president stressed.
