Lithuania Emphasizes Support for Ukraine During Council of Europe Chairmanship

Lithuania, led by Deputy Minister Egidijus Meilunas, has emphasized its unwavering support for Ukraine as it prepares to assume the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Meilunas met with Olins Wethington, a member of the Board of Directors of the International Republican Institute, to discuss key priorities, including using frozen or confiscated Russian assets for Ukraine's needs. The meeting highlighted the need for collective international effort to hold Russia accountable for its actions and ensure long-term support for Ukraine.

Key Takeaways:

• Lithuania's chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe prioritizes all-out support for Ukraine, with a focus on ensuring Russia's full responsibility for international crimes.
• The Council of Europe has established a Damage Register to record damage caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine and is preparing to establish a Claims Assessment Commission.
• Lithuania is working with the European Union and other international partners, including the United States, to confiscate Russian assets and use them for Ukraine's reconstruction.
• The USA has already adopted legal acts allowing the confiscation of property from aggressors to be used for Ukraine's defense.
• Lithuania's chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe is scheduled for 2024, with 46 countries participating in the Council of Europe.

Statistics:

• 46 countries belong to the Council of Europe (excluding Russia).
• Lithuania will chair the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from May 17 to November 13, 2024 (not specified).
• The Council of Europe is one of the few international organizations to have removed Russia after its large-scale military invasion of Ukraine.

Sources:

• URM.lt: [https://www.urm.lt](https://www.urm.lt)