This week in Lithuania, I. Ruginienė, recently returned from Italy, discussed her government-funded trip to Milan, where she emphasized that the visit was a serious work engagement rather than a vacation. She expressed pride in the performance and resilience of Lithuanian athletes competing under challenging conditions, highlighting the emotional connection she witnessed among fans and athletes alike. The minister's enthusiasm for the support of the athletes included the conveyance of positive experiences and the atmosphere of encouragement she encountered.

The Lithuanian government, through its Chancellery, clarified that Ruginienė's trip was not solely a symbolic gesture of support for the athletes but also represented an "important diplomatic mission within a broader geopolitical context." This statement reaffirms the government's intention to strengthen Lithuania's representation and cooperation with various countries at the Olympic event.

By meeting with the presidents of Germany and Latvia during her visit, Ruginienė aimed to bolster Baltic cooperation and engagement in international affairs. The emphasis placed on the trip also raises questions about public spending on government trips and the balance between essential diplomatic missions and perceived extravagance, generating discussions on accountability and transparency in government expenditure.