Putin downplays damage from Ukrainian refinery strikes, vows response

On October 15, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda warned that the United States should not request a unilateral halt to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy facilities. Nauseda insisted that any ceasefire must involve both sides, not just Ukraine, stating, "A ceasefire must be a two-way street. It cannot be unilateral." He emphasized that if Ukraine stops attacking Russian energy infrastructure while Russia continues attacking Ukrainian facilities, the situation would collapse.

Nauseda also stated that Russia must respect international law, although he acknowledged it was naive to expect compliance from a country that invaded Ukraine in 2022. He further highlighted that Russia's aggression extends beyond territorial claims, challenging Western norms and values. Nauseda's comments came during a two-day European Council summit in Brussels, where leaders discussed continued support for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, and European energy security.