Budrys: Russia cannot go unpunished for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, violations of children’s rights
On 21 February, to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kęstutis Budrys, participated in the international conference “Three Years, Countless Futures: Protecting Freedom and Ukraine’s Children, Third Commemoration of Russia’s War Against Ukraine”. The event was organised by the Centre of Ukraine and its co-founders: the Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Vytautas Magnus University, and the Embassy of Ukraine in Lithuania.
“Russia’s war is a blatant breach of the fundamental of international system as we know it. It has inflicted unimaginable destruction and suffering on the people of Ukraine. The most vulnerable — country‘s children — have borne the brunt of this conflict. Over 2,000 children have been killed or injured, more than 20,000 are listed as missing, and countless others were forced into deportation, illegal adoption, and indoctrination,” Budrys said.
Lithuania actively participates in international initiatives to ensure that Russia, as well as its accomplice, the Belarusian regime, are held to account for these crimes.
“Together, we stand united for justice and the protection of Ukraine’s future, recognising that the fight to bring home Ukraine’s children and hold those responsible accountable is a commitment to human rights, preserving Ukraine’s dignity and identity, and ensuring that such atrocities never become a norm,” said Budrys.
This criminal war has taken a devastating toll on Ukraine’s children. In order to support them, Lithuania has joined the Canadian-initiated International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. In addition, Lithuania is implementing the “Future School for Ukraine” project to help Ukraine’s education system recover from the war.
Lithuania continues to strongly support Ukraine to ensure its victory and long-term security in Europe.
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