The European Union is struggling to agree on its 21st package of sanctions against Russia, with Lithuania among the few countries pushing for the toughest possible measures. However, signs of fatigue with pressuring the Kremlin are becoming increasingly apparent among member states.

Lithuania's ambassador to the EU, Nerijus Aleksiejūnas, stated that the argument heard most often is that sanctions should not harm European countries and their economies compared with Russia. As a result, restrictions on Russia’s fishing sector have already been dropped from the sanctions package, while Bulgaria is vetoing sanctions against Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill. France, Italy, and Spain are the main opponents of a ban on Russian soldiers entering Europe, as they issued the most visas to Russian citizens last year.

A compromise appears likely, with the decision postponed until the autumn and handed over to the European Commission, where no member state will be able to veto it. “The best way to solve this problem is through changes to the visa code, where all the rules are set out,” said Aleksiejūnas.

The European Commission’s proposal to ban EU countries from transporting Russian gas and selling tankers to Russia has caused the most controversy. Greece, which manufactures specialized liquefied natural gas tankers, opposes the move. “Those ice-class vessels capable of transporting Russian liquefied natural gas are specifically designed for the Arctic, and no other country or company apart from Russia is carrying out projects in the Arctic,” said Petras Katinas, an analyst at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).

Having failed to persuade Athens, the EU is considering allowing an exemption. Greece not only supplies tankers to Russia but also transports Russian gas, worth €2bn last year. “The Greeks are the biggest service providers for Russian LNG,” Katinas said.

Meanwhile, Russia is conducting a “Phase Zero” campaign aimed at creating informational and psychological conditions for potential future provocations against NATO countries. This includes false flag operations, drone incursions, sabotage, electronic warfare interference, and overflights.

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz warned that Russia could use captured Ukrainian drones to conduct a false flag operation against Poland, the Baltic states, Finland, or Romania. Recent warnings from Western officials, including Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, and Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, highlight the increasing military provocations and hybrid activity near NATO borders.

In a related development, Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson discussed bilateral ties, regional cooperation, and security issues during a phone call on Thursday. The leaders emphasized close ties between Lithuania and Sweden and their successful cooperation within the European Union, NATO, and the Nordic-Baltic Eight formats.

“The Baltic Sea does not divide but connects Lithuania and Sweden. It is a space of shared responsibility and interests, linking our economies, infrastructure, and social ties,” Sinkevicius said. The conversation also focused on the security of critical infrastructure and support for Ukraine.

Additionally, Latvia is set to deploy drone detection systems along its border with Russia by the end of September to strengthen border protection against unmanned aerial vehicles. Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melņis ordered radar systems and drone detection equipment for this purpose.

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Fatigue in Europe: Lithuania among few fighting for Russia sanctions The European Union is still failing to agree on its 21st package of sanctions against Russia, with Lithuanias ambassador to the bloc saying signs of European fatigue with pressuring the Kremlin are becoming increasingly apparent.

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