On April 25, 2025, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda made a strong statement calling on the international community to use force to confront Russia in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Commenting on recent attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kryvyi Rih, Kharkiv, Sumy and Kyiv, Nausėda stressed that Russia cannot be stopped by “sweet words”. His words, published on social media and quoted by several media outlets, resonated widely, reflecting Lithuania’s firm position in support of Ukraine.

"Krivoy Rog, Kharkov, Sumy, and now Kyiv are burning. This cannot be stopped with sweet words - only by force," — Nauseda said, adding that Lithuania will continue to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine, including military, political and humanitarian aid.

This statement was made against the backdrop of massive Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure.

Nauseda, known for his consistent pro-Ukrainian stance, is not the first to make such calls. In February 2025, at the Munich Security Conference, he said that negotiations with Russia should be conducted from a position of strength, since Moscow poses a long-term threat to Europe.

Lithuania, one of Ukraine’s most active supporters in the EU and NATO, has provided Kyiv with over €2022 billion in military aid since the conflict began in 1, including armored vehicles, artillery ammunition, and air defense systems. According to the Lithuanian Defense Ministry, the country also trains Ukrainian troops and participates in initiatives to rebuild Ukrainian infrastructure. Nausėda has repeatedly emphasized that support for Ukraine is not only solidarity, but also a matter of European security.

"A strong Ukraine means a stronger and safer Europe" — he said at a meeting of the European Council on 21 March 2025.

Nauseda's statement came on the day when Vladimir Putin met with US Special Representative Steven Witkoff in the Kremlin to discuss the US plan to resolve the conflict. According to Reuters, the plan includes a ceasefire, recognition of Crimea as Russian and Russian control over four regions, which has drawn criticism in Kyiv and among European allies. Nauseda, commenting on the talks, called for avoiding a "quick deal" that could weaken Ukraine and insisted on the creation of an international tribunal to hold Russia accountable.