Lithuania has issued a strong protest to the Russian Federation in connection with new large-scale crimes committed within the framework of the undeclared war against Ukraine
On May 27, the country's foreign ministry formally handed a note of protest to the Russian ambassador in Lithuania, condemning the actions of the Moscow authorities, which are causing significant humanitarian and civilian suffering for the Ukrainian population. This was yet another official step by the Baltic state amid growing international criticism and sanctions pressure on the aggressor country. According to representatives of Lithuania’s MFA, on that day, a senior official from the Russian embassy was informed about the impermissibility of war crimes committed during the prolonged war initiated by Moscow. The full positions condemning the systematic shelling of Ukrainian civilian targets, the destruction of infrastructure, and the massive attacks on peaceful residents were read out. The statement by Lithuania’s foreign ministry emphasizes that Russian troops continue to use missiles and drones to attack Ukrainian cities, causing the death and injury of civilians, especially children. The authorities reminded that such actions are not subject to a statute of limitations and constitute clear war crimes, for which responsibility will eventually be held. Lithuania called on the international community to unite efforts and increase pressure on Russia, as “the refusal to declare even a short, 30-day ceasefire regime” indicates Moscow’s intention to continue the war and ignore international efforts to end the bloodshed. In the context of new missile strikes, it should be noted that since the beginning of May, Ukrainian defenders have repeatedly detected large-scale attacks by Russian forces, including using ballistic missiles. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, on May 24, 14 Iskander-M rockets and over 250 attack drones were launched at Ukrainian territory. The following night, on May 25, Russia carried out over 300 more airstrikes, employing various missile types—including cruise, ballistic, and guided missiles—as well as attack drones. On May 26, the number of these attacks did not decrease significantly: the Kremlin directed over 360 weapons towards Ukraine, including cruise missiles and attack UAVs. Regarding the severe treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war, the war is taking on even more brutal dimensions. According to Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, on May 24 alone, over 150 cases of executions or other forms of destruction of Ukrainian defenders on the battlefield by Russian forces were recorded. Human rights violations, in particular mass murders of unarmed prisoners of war, have become a major focus of international attention and media coverage, which calls for urgent measures and accountability for the perpetrators. Responses to Moscow’s military actions are actively commented on by foreign leaders. Notably, on May 25, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a statement regarding Russian aggression, noting that the US is considering imposing additional sanctions against the Russian Federation for its crimes in Ukraine. On May 27, Trump sharply commented on Vladimir Putin, calling him a “playing with fire," hinting at the irreversible nature of Kremlin’s aggressive steps and potential consequences for international security. The war in Ukraine has further intensified the international conflict and highlighted the issue of impunity for war crimes. Lithuania, along with other EU and NATO countries, continues to insist on strengthening sanctions and providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Recent events have once again confirmed that the international community must be prepared for further steps to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and stabilize the situation on the European continent.