Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale aggression against UkraineActivities of the Minister of Foreign[...]

Today marks four years since Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine.

In defending themselves against the Russian attack, the Ukrainian people are defending not only their country on a daily basis. They also defend the security of Lithuania and Europe as a whole, as well as the democratic values of freedom, the rule of law, and human dignity, which are important to all of us. For this, we say to them: ' дякую - Thank you!' Through our actions, we will continue to consistently support Ukraine - its freedom, independence, territorial integrity, and self-determination.

This war did not start in 2022. Russia attacked Ukraine as early as 2014, when it seized and illegally annexed Crimea. Lithuania clearly says: we will never recognise any seizure of Ukrainian territories and will not recognise attempts to redraw international borders by force. This was reaffirmed by the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, which adopted Resolution on Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity (8 May 2025 No XV-181).

Lithuania supports the efforts of the United States, Ukraine, and Europe to end this war and achieve a just and lasting peace. But true peace will only be possible when Russia is stopped and ceases its aggression, withdraws its troops from the entire internationally recognised territory of Ukraine, compensates for the damage caused, and those responsible for war crimes are held to account.

We support the ceasefire as a necessary first step towards peace, but stress that Ukraine needs strong security guarantees backed by the U.S. and Europe. And the EU and NATO membership is the most reliable guarantee.

Ukraine needs to be strong, both on the battlefield and in the negotiations. It must not be pressured to accept unfair solutions that are contrary to international law.

The international community as a whole must remain united and continue to help Ukraine. This includes:

political and diplomatic support;

military assistance, including air defence;

financial and humanitarian aid;
investments in Ukraine's defence industry and energy reconstruction.

At the same time, it is necessary to increase pressure on Russia and its accomplices. Sanctions are one of the most important tools to do this. It is regrettable that the unconstructive stance of some EU countries has not led to the timely adoption of the 20th package of sanctions. We will do our utmost to overcome the obstacles as soon as possible.

Lithuania will continue to support Ukraine with concrete actions. Lithuania will provide support of at least 0.25% of its GDP for Ukraine's defence and security needs.

We will invest additionally in the reconstruction of Ukraine, especially in the areas of energy, health, and education.

We will seek to further constrain Russia's ability to continue the war by tightening sanctions and increasing the international isolation of Russia and Belarus.

We will seek to hold the Russian and Belarusian authorities to account for war crimes, that the established Special Tribunal begins its work as soon as possible, and to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's needs. The damage caused to Ukraine must be compensated.

We will also work to ensure the return of all abducted Ukrainian children to their homes and that prisoners of war and unlawfully detained civilians are released and compensated for the harm they have suffered.

Lithuania will stand with Ukraine until its victory.

Слава Україні!