Lithuania summons Russian diplomat over attacks on Ukraine and disinformation targeting Baltic states

Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned a representative of the Russian embassy in Vilnius on Wednesday 8 July to hand over a formal note of protest over Russia's latest attacks on Ukraine and its continuing disinformation campaign targeting the Baltic states.

Source: European Pravda, citing the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Details: The note states that the deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and should be regarded as a war crime not subject to any statute of limitations.

The ministry noted that at least 27 civilians had been killed and around 100 injured during a Russian attack on Ukraine on the night of 6-7 July. Moreover, Kyiv came under yet another Russian attack on the night of 7-8 July.

Lithuania said it will continue to seek accountability for everyone responsible for crimes committed by Russia against Ukraine, including those who ordered, organised and carried them out.

During the meeting, Lithuanian officials also firmly rejected repeated false claims by Russian officials directed at the Baltic states. The Russian diplomat was told that Lithuania has never allowed its territory or airspace to be used for drone attacks against targets in Russia and has repeatedly informed Moscow of this fact.

The ministry also dismissed as an outright lie claims by the Russian Foreign Ministry that the Baltic states are planning the mass deportation of Russian-speaking residents.

Background:

• Earlier, Lithuania's State Security Department described similar allegations by the Russian Foreign Ministry as yet another Kremlin propaganda campaign.
• In May, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it wanted to file a case against the Baltic states at the International Court of Justice, alleging discrimination against ethnic Russians.
• In response, Estonia's Foreign Ministry said the accusations were intended to divert attention from Russia's own actions, including its attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine.

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