Lithuanian President: The War Has Spread To Russian Territory

• 18.06.2026, 20:00

The events in Moscow mark a new phase in the war.

By striking targets within the aggressor country’s territory, Ukraine is changing the rules of war and increasing pressure on Russia.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda made this statement ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels.

According to Nausėda, there are increasing signs that the situation on the front lines is changing. He emphasized that events in Moscow mark a new phase of the war.

“We see that Ukraine is winning this war. We are seeing more and more signs that the war is drawing closer to the Russian population. What is happening in Moscow right now is a game-changer, because the Russian population is beginning to realize that this is not a war they are watching on TV, but a war on their own soil,” he said.

He also noted that Ukraine is actively producing drones and building up its own defense-industrial capacity.

Nausėda emphasized that clear signals from Russia are needed to begin real negotiations. This means, at a minimum, a willingness to negotiate or a ceasefire. So far, he said, there have been no such signals.

The Lithuanian president recalled that previous attempts by individual leaders to engage in dialogue with the Kremlin had failed because they did not represent a common European position.

He emphasized that pressure on Russia must be increased through support for Ukraine and new sanctions. As part of the 21st package of restrictions, it is important to target not only banks and the shadow fleet, but also the energy sector, particularly large companies.