News

Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis at the HRC49 side event "Russia's attack on Ukraine and its human rights consequences"

Excellencies,

Lithuania stands united with Ukraine for the sixth day facing brutal and large scale military attacks by Russia, enabled by Belarus. The barrage of propaganda and lies on which this war against the Ukrainian people is based is unprecedented and shameful. We are inspired by the infinite courage of the Ukrainian people. As they fight for their survival, they defend not only Ukraine. They defend the international rules-based order - they defend all of us.

Russia’s bombardments of populated areas are a direct violation of international humanitarian law. Russia bears full responsibility for the bloodshed of innocent people, including children. At least half a million Ukrainians were forced to flee their homes, as internally displaced or refugees. Lithuania stands ready to provide all necessary assistance to our Ukrainian friends.

By its unprovoked and unjustified military actions, Russia is blatantly violating the United Nations Charter, the Helsinki and Paris Accords, the Budapest Memorandum as well as its own international commitments and obligations.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s war against Ukraine and reiterate our unwavering support to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. We demand Russia to immediately cease all military actions and withdraw its forces from the territory of sovereign Ukraine, as well as from Belarus.

Until and unless the war against Ukraine is stopped, we call on all countries to continue taking and enforcing measures aimed at isolating Russia including through wide ranging sanctions.

As the costs of Kremlin’s aggression continues to rise, the international community must take all the necessary steps to ensure that the crimes committed against the people of Ukraine will not be ignored.

Lithuania, as a member of the Human Rights Council will do its utmost to ensure that Russia and its accomplices are brought to justice. In this respect, we welcome Ukraine submitting its case to the ICJ and ICC Prosecutor’s decision to proceed with opening an investigation. We reaffirm our unwavering support to the efforts to bring the perpetrators to account.

Слава Україні!

Thank you.