Russia threatens all EU and NATO countries, so external factors should not weaken these states, the presidents believe.
Poland and Lithuania support Ukraine in words and deeds, in particular by increasing the level of defense capability.
This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky at a joint briefing in Kiev with the heads of Poland and Lithuania Andrzej Duda and Gitanas Nauseda.
«Helmets, ammunition, man-portable missile systems «Stinger» — this is all the help of our friends for the Ukrainian military. Lithuanian and Polish diplomats continue to work, this is an important signal of support», Zelensky said.
The head of Ukraine drew attention to the reaction of Lithuania and Poland to the recognition of quasi-state entities «L/DPR» and stressed the importance of strengthening sanctions.
«Important is the decision of Germany to stop the certification «Nord Stream — 2″. This project is a weapon that is already being used against Ukraine and Europe,” he stressed.
Putin must be stopped
Russian President Vladimir Putin must restrain himself from military aggression against Ukraine, Polish President Andrzej Duda said during a briefing .
«We all walk along the narrow path between peace and war, which does not know where Russia and the world will lead. We need to remember this», — said the head of Poland.
Russia's actions threaten the EU and NATO's eastern flank, he says.
« This is the time for the unity of the EU and NATO. We cannot allow weaknesses and differences among Member States to be seen as a result of external factors,” Duda said.
Recognition of independence «L/DNR»
Poland condemns Moscow's decision to recognize the independence of the «DNR» and «LNR». According to Duda, this aggressive step crosses out the Minsk agreements and shows disrespect for international law.
«We call on Russia to de-escalate and withdraw troops from the borders with Ukraine», he said.
Duda believes that Ukraine deserves the status of a candidate for EU membership.
The Kremlin has broken the «red line»
Russia has crossed the «red line», because Luhansk and Donetsk will always be part of Ukraine, the President of Lithuania noted during his speech.
«We will stand next to the fraternal people ( Ukraine) and will help in any way we can. Only a serious and strong response will help prevent conflict», he is sure.