From Lithuania: Protest note to Russia over attacks against Romania and Ukraine

Lithuania has formally protested to Russia over recent Russian attacks targeting civilians in Ukraine and a specific incident where a Russian drone entered Romanian airspace and struck a residential building. The protest note was delivered to a representative of the Russian Federation's embassy in Lithuania.

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Deliberate terror against civilians and infrastructure is a gross violation of the norms of international humanitarian law and is considered a war crime, which is not subject to a statute of limitations.

The ministry stated that Russia's actions, including missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv, and other Ukrainian locations, have resulted in dozens of civilian deaths and hundreds of injuries. The attacks have also destroyed numerous residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. Lithuania characterized these deliberate acts of terror against civilians as a grave breach of international humanitarian law, constituting war crimes with no statute of limitations.

Furthermore, the note highlighted that Russia's incursions into the airspace of Baltic states, Poland, Moldova, and Romania demonstrate a disregard for human lives, national sovereignty, and international legal norms. The recent incident in Romania, which injured two civilians and damaged an apartment building, was cited as a severe consequence of such actions.

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Multiple incursions of Russian drones into the territories of the Baltic states, Poland, Moldova, Romania, and other countries show the indifference of the Russian leadership to human lives, the sovereignty of countries, and the norms of international law.

Lithuania reiterated its unwavering support for Ukraine's fight for freedom, independence, and territorial integrity, referencing a recent joint meeting between the Lithuanian and Ukrainian governments. The country also pledged to continue working with international partners to ensure Russia is held fully accountable for the damages inflicted through its violations of international law, utilizing mechanisms like the Register of Damage and the newly established Commission for International Claims for Ukraine.

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Lithuania will continue to resolutely support Ukraine in its fight for freedom, independence, and territorial integrity.