Lithuania dismisses Russian claims of preparing to deport Russian speakers

Lithuanian officials have dismissed Russian accusations of preparing to deport Russian-speaking residents as a provocation aimed at increasing tensions. The claims originated from Russia's Foreign Ministry, which alleged that Baltic states are preparing for mass deportations of Russian speakers to resolve the "Russian question."

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We know about the intensified Russian and Belarusian disinformation campaign. This is noticeable in all areas, especially in attempts to capture minds, beliefs, and attitudes. This is another provocation, which should not be paid too much attention to.

Grigorijus Lukjancevas, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's department for multilateral cooperation in human rights, presented a report claiming Baltic states are openly preparing for mass deportations. He further alleged that these actions aim to create a precedent for mass statelessness in the 21st century. Russia's Foreign Ministry also announced intentions to appeal to the International Court of Justice regarding alleged systematic violations of ethnic Russians' rights in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.

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But it is a pity that some of our people still tend to listen to what is said. On the other hand, it is worrying. If we look at the last presidential elections, a pro-Russian candidate still received 7% of the votes. So that audience is probably not that small, and efforts are being made to expand that audience.

Lithuanian officials, including Remigijus Motuzas, chairman of the Seimas Committee on Foreign Affairs, stated that Russian-speaking residents in Lithuania are guaranteed all rights, including educational and cultural. Motuzas noted that Lithuanian Russian speakers have publicly stated they can manage their lives without Russian assistance. He suggested that Russia is experiencing desperation due to increased Ukrainian drone attacks and seeks to create provocations to justify its own actions on the international stage. The Ministry of the Interior had previously warned of potential Russian provocations against Baltic states, leading to enhanced security measures for critical infrastructure.

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The Baltic states are openly preparing for the mass deportation of Russian-speaking residents and, apparently, thus hope to finally solve the "Russian question" and the unprecedented problem of mass statelessness in their territories, especially in the 21st century.