News

Lithuania resolutely condemns and protests the invasion and occupation by Russia of parts of the Ukrainian territory, and demands to stop the aggression immediately.

Lithuania calls on international community and institutions to stand united in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in defence of the fundamental principles of international law embodied in the UN Charter, Helsinki Final Act and other international instruments.

Russia’s action against Ukraine’s sovereignty dangerously escalates the situation and undermines peace and stability in the entire region. For that reason, together with its close ally Poland, Lithuania chose to initiate consultations on this issue in NATO under Article IV of the Washington Treaty.

Lithuania welcomes the Ukrainian Government’s decision to resume preparations for signature of the Association Agreement with the European Union, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area. Lithuania strongly supports such signature at the earliest opportunity and the soonest possible start of provisional application.

Furthermore, Lithuania calls on the EU Member States and institutions to develop a comprehensive assistance package for Ukraine that would encompass substantial financial assistance, specific project support, expert advice on reform process, humanitarian aid.

Lithuania supports acceleration of efforts both on the EU and Ukrainian sides in the ongoing implementation of the EU Visa Liberalisation Action Plan for Ukraine and speedy progress toward a visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens’ short-term travel to the Schengen area.

Source: mfa.lt