Lithuania Mulls National Sanctions Against Russia to Save Its Reputation

In a move aimed at bolstering its international standing, Lithuania is considering the introduction of national sanctions against Russia. Former Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė has highlighted the importance of these measures, particularly as existing EU sanctions are set to expire in July. Discussions are ongoing regarding the potential implementation of national sanctions if a unified stance within the European Union cannot be achieved.

While some lawmakers express doubts about the effectiveness of such sanctions, others argue that they could play a crucial role in maintaining Lithuania’s “reputational image.” Speaker of the Seimas, Saulius Skvernelis, has suggested that the country should explore regional sanctions in collaboration with neighboring nations, including Latvia, Estonia, Poland, and Nordic countries, rather than pursuing a unilateral approach.
However, Remigijus Žemaitaitis, chairman of the “Dawn of Neman” party, has voiced skepticism about the feasibility of imposing national sanctions. He contends that any economic restrictions would likely be ineffective without broader regional cooperation. “National sanctions won’t work; it’s impossible for them to be effective. Without a regional agreement, we won’t be able to achieve anything. Just look at the ports and the products leaving them,” Žemaitaitis remarked.
He also referenced Lithuania’s previous diplomatic tensions with China, noting that efforts to foster ties with Taiwan have not yielded significant results. “Lithuania started a friendship with Taiwan — we ended up with absolutely nothing,” he stated.
In contrast, Šimonytė emphasized that while national sanctions may not produce immediate results, they are essential for protecting Lithuania’s reputation and preventing potential sanction evasion. “It’s clear that we can seal off this river around us, and it still needs to be done purely for reputational reasons. (…) The European response is still a European response because we are part of a larger picture. If Europe were to lose its consistency due to the whims of one or two players or particular interests, it would be a significant blow to all friends of Ukraine,” she concluded.
As Lithuania navigates this complex geopolitical landscape, the discussions surrounding sanctions highlight the delicate balance between national interests and regional solidarity.