Europe Asia News

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys made a statement regarding Russia's attacks on Ukraine.

Budrys noted that world leaders had gathered as part of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to reaffirm the United Nations Charter, international law and the rules aimed at preserving peace, and argued that Russia was acting contrary to these principles through its attacks on Ukraine.

Budrys said that while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was speaking about peace in New York, Russian missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles were targeting cities and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.

Budrys stated that at least 16 people were killed and 59 were injured in attacks on various parts of Ukraine, including Kyiv, Odesa and the Kharkiv region. He added that 7 people were killed and 12 were injured after a Russian attack on an agricultural enterprise in Stara Hnylytsia.

Budrys argued that while Russia seeks to have a say in the international order, it is targeting the principles that this order is intended to protect, and said that the international community should not limit itself to statements alone.

Budrys called for stronger pressure on Russia, including sanctions and accountability mechanisms, the provision of more air defense systems to Ukraine, and the continuation of predictable military, financial and energy support for the country, particularly ahead of the approaching winter.

Budrys said Russia should not be allowed to use international law and institutions as tools against the very principles these structures were created to protect.