Lithuania Emphasizes Support for Ukraine and Preservation of International Order

Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kestutis Budrys convened a meeting with diplomatic missions and international organizations on July 7, marking the country's annual evaluation of foreign policy achievements and future challenges. The Minister stated that ending Russia's war against Ukraine is crucial for Lithuania's security, with a focus on mobilizing support for Ukraine, particularly in air defense capabilities, ammunition, and munitions. He also underscored the importance of preserving the rules-based international order and holding accountable regimes responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Key Takeaways:

• Lithuania considers ending Russia's war against Ukraine as an existential issue for its security, making it a top foreign policy priority.
• The country has been consistently supporting Ukraine and aims to mobilize support from other European countries, especially since US prospects for support are unclear.
• Lithuania calls for military support to Ukraine, with a focus on air defense capabilities, ammunition, and munitions.
• The Minister emphasized the importance of holding regimes accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity to prevent authoritarianism from destroying the rules-based international order.
• Lithuania prioritizes the preservation of the international order, seeking to prevent repeat atrocities and aggression.
• The meeting discussed other foreign policy objectives, including Lithuania's EU Council presidency in 2027 and challenges in economic diplomacy.
• The country also emphasized the strengthening of bilateral relations and cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8).

Statistics:

• Lithuania has been continuously supporting Ukraine from the beginning of the conflict.
• The country is one of the leaders in terms of the volume of military support provided to Ukraine.
• The prospects for US support for Ukraine are currently unclear.
• Lithuania aims to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation within the NB8 framework.

Sources:

• No specific source mentioned.