Lithuanian Foreign Ministry not to respond to Russia’s note on weapons supply to Ukraine

Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius has confirmed that the country has not responded to the Russian note, with no response planned in the future.

“We do not think it makes sense. We see no reasons to respond or justify ourselves to those who are repeatedly violating laws,” the Lithuanian diplomacy chief emphasized.

In a note received by the Lithuanian Embassy in Moscow from the Russian Foreign Ministry in late February, Russia maintains that the Lithuanian military assistance to Ukraine runs counter to Lithuania’s international commitments in the field of arms exports and violates the general position of the European Council, as well as provisions of the Arms Trade Treaty.

Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry said that all issues of military equipment exports are considered strictly in accordance with the Arms Trade Treaty, the European Council’s general stance and other international legal instruments and requirements of the national law.

“The military support provided by Lithuania to Ukraine is exclusively for defence and intended to help the Ukrainian government protect its country against Russia’s military aggression, defend the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is in line with the provided of international documents on the right to self-defence,” the Foreign Ministry said.