Feb 24 • 16:29 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania 15min

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Lithuania will seek accountability for war crimes by the governments of Russia and Belarus

Lithuania's Foreign Ministry announced plans to hold Russia and Belarus accountable for war crimes and to support Ukraine's recovery.

The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry has expressed its commitment to hold the governments of Russia and Belarus accountable for war crimes, stating that a Special Tribunal must commence its activities as quickly as possible. Furthermore, the ministry emphasized the necessity to utilize frozen Russian assets for the needs of Ukraine, insisting that compensation must be made for the damage inflicted upon the country. This statement came as part of Lithuania's ongoing efforts to enforce stricter sanctions against Russia and to enhance international isolation of both Russia and Belarus.

In addition to pursuing accountability, Lithuanian diplomats reaffirmed their commitment to assist Ukraine directly by allocating at least 0.25% of Lithuania's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to support Ukraine's defense and security needs. This financial support underscores Lithuania's ongoing partnership with Ukraine and aims to bolster not only military assistance but also recovery efforts in critical sectors such as energy, healthcare, and education. The Lithuanian government is determined to contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine following the devastation caused by the ongoing conflict.

Moreover, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry highlighted that the fight against Russian aggression is not merely a Ukrainian struggle but a defense of European safety and democratic values. The Ministry's statement underscores the interconnectedness of the security in the Baltic region with the situation in Ukraine, implying that the defense of Ukraine is also a crucial aspect of safeguarding Lithuania and the wider European framework. This reflects a growing sentiment among Baltic states of solidarity in facing regional threats and the necessity for collective action in the defense of democratic principles across Europe.

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