Lithuania expels Russian envoy, downgrades diplomatic ties with Moscow

ANKARA

Lithuania on Monday downgraded its diplomatic relations with Russia and expelled Moscow’s ambassador.

The government has also decided to close the Russian Consulate in the port city of Klaipeda, according to a statement by the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry.

“Lithuania is lowering the level of diplomatic representation with Russia, this way expressing its full solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, who are suffering from Russia’s unprecedented aggression,” said Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabriel Landsbergis.

“Lithuania condemns in the strongest possible terms the atrocities committed by the Russian armed forces in various occupied Ukrainian cities, including the horrific massacres in Bucha and other Ukrainian cities, which will undoubtedly be added to the list of atrocities committed on European territory,” he added.

The Lithuanian ambassador in Moscow has been recalled and will “return to Lithuania in the near future,” read the statement.

Lithuania supports all measures aimed at ensuring that Moscow and its forces are “held accountable for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Ukraine,” it added.

“All war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Russian armed forces in Ukraine will not be forgotten,” Landsbergis said.

​​​​​​​ The Russia-Ukraine war, which started on Feb. 24, has drawn international outrage, with Western countries and their allies implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.

At least 1,430 civilians have been killed in Ukraine and 2,097 injured, according to UN estimates, with the true figure feared to be much higher.

More than 4.21 million Ukrainians have also fled to neighboring countries, with millions more internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.