Outcome of Lithuania’s OPCW Executive Council membership: increased support for Ukraine and growing isolation of Russia
On 12 May, Lithuania's two-year membership of the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) ended.
For the first time in the history of the organization, Lithuania became a member of the Executive Council, displacing Russia from this governing body. Elections to the Council took place in autumn 2023 and membership began in May 2024.
As a member of the Executive Council, Lithuania stepped up efforts to hold Russia accountable for the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, as well as providing comprehensive support for Ukraine. Lithuania has mobilised the international community, provided financial support to strengthen Ukraine's technical capabilities, coordinated regional cooperation, and organised dedicated events. Thanks to the efforts of Lithuania and partners, support for Ukraine continues to grow, and Russia is becoming increasingly isolated in the international community.
A key priority for Lithuania’s membership of the Executive Council was also support for addressing issues relevant to the organisation and the international community, such as the destruction of chemical weapons developed by the former Syrian regime, the issue of chemical weapons dumped at sea, and the fight against Russian propaganda and disinformation. Together with more than sixty countries, Lithuania is actively seeking strict accountability for the use, development, or trade of chemical weapons. In addition, the role of the OPCW as an international institution in this field must be further strengthened.
As a member of the Executive Council, Lithuania also actively participated in the election process of the new Director-General of the OPCW. The Executive Council plays a key role in this process, with Swiss diplomat Sabrina Dallafior appointed as the new Head of the OPCW in autumn 2025.
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