On June 15, 1940, the USSR occupied Lithuania. Soviets did not care about breaking international treaties. Deportations, murders, and terrors followed for the next 50 years. Russia took on the legacy of the USSR. The aggressor cannot be tolerated and must be stopped.

Russian strikes have set the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra on fire. It‘s one of Christianity's most important spiritual sites and a cornerstone of #Ukraine's cultural heritage. The deliberate cynical targeting of a protected World Heritage site is an attack on a shared part of Europe's and humanity's historical legacy. It demands a clear and strong response from #UNESCO and the international community. These attacks once again demonstrate that Russia's war is directed not only against Ukraine's sovereignty, but also against its people, history, and identity. The response must go beyond condemnation: stronger military support for Ukraine, increased pressure on #Russia through sanctions and accountability measures, and unwavering political support for Ukraine's European Union membership.

The USSR regime claimed millions of innocent lives. The first mass deportation of Lithuanian residents took place on 14-19 June 1941. Around 17K innocent people were deported from Lithuania to Siberia – most of them were women & children. Many never returned home.

Lithuania’s 🇱🇹 Permanent Representative to the International Organisations in Vienna, Ambassador Kęstutis Kudzmanas, presented his letter of credence to the @CTBTO Executive Secretary, Dr Robert Floyd. Read more 🔗bit.ly/4oIs3nP Photo credit: CTBTO

Lithuania co-sponsored and voted in favour of the US, UK, France & Germany-led resolution on Iran's nuclear programme, adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors. #Iran is urged to promptly submit full information to the #IAEA and allow verification of nuclear materials and sites.

Lithuania’s 🇱🇹 Permanent Representative to the International Organisations in Vienna, Ambassador Kęstutis Kudzmanas, presented his letter of credence to the #IAEA Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi. Read more 🔗bit.ly/4fwZgQp Photo credit: IAEA

At the IAEA BoG, VCM @Taurimas Valys joined the EU27 meeting with Ukraine’s Deputy Energy Minister for European Integration @AnatKutsevol. Cross-sector cooperation & 🇺🇦 expertise strengthen Europe’s energy security. We must use our leverage to stop Russia’s attacks on 🇺🇦 energy.

Today, Lithuania’s 🇱🇹 Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna, Ambassador Kęstutis Kudzmanas, presented his letter of credence to the #OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu. Read more 🔗 bit.ly/43lXzxY Photo credit: OSCE

At today's Extraordinary Meeting of the #IAEA Board of Governors, 🇱🇹 expressed its solidarity with 🇦🇪 and condemned the drone attack against the Barakah NPP. 🇱🇹 calls for restraint and de-escalation.

Sąjūdis, the Reform Movement of Lithuania, was established OTD in 1988. Sąjūdis became the driving force behind Lithuania’s peaceful struggle for freedom, paving the way for the restoration of independence after decades of Soviet occupation. 🇱🇹

At a joint #OSCE FSC-PC meeting, Lithuania expressed full solidarity with Romania and 🇷🇴 people over #Russia's recent drone attack that caused civilian injuries. 🇱🇹 condemns Moscow's dangerous escalation. This act of intimidation will not weaken our resolve to support Ukraine.

At a joint #OSCE FSC-PC meeting, Lithuania 🇱🇹 on behalf of the Baltic States 🇱🇹🇪🇪🇱🇻 condemned Russia's recent large-scale strikes on civilians across Ukraine. We will make every effort to ensure that the organisers and perpetrators of these crimes do not escape accountability.

The Council has extended until 28 May 2027 the EU sanctions against Russia in response to: 🚫 serious human rights violations or abuses 🚫 the repression of civil society and democratic opposition 🚫 the undermining of democracy and the rule of law More: link.europa.eu/94Ywdm

On International Day of Heroes of the Fight Against Totalitarianism, we honour Witold Pilecki. During WWII, he volunteered to endure the horrors of Auschwitz to report them to the world. Inside, he also organized a resistance. Arrested for espionage, he was executed OTD in 1948.

Today is an International Missing Children's Day. Another day for us to remember that since 2022 russia has forcibly transferred almost 21,000 🇺🇦 children to areas under its control, assigned them russian citizenship & turned them against their homeland. #BringKidsBack

🇱🇹🇩🇰🇪🇪🇫🇮🇮🇸🇱🇻🇳🇴🇸🇪 In joint statements we, the #NB8 Foreign Ministers, categorically reject Russia’s blatant disinformation campaign and its fabricated accusations following the airspace violations, which Russia shamelessly uses to mask its military failures. Our territory and airspace have never been used for attacks against targets in Russia. Incidents involving drones entering @NATO airspace are a direct consequence of Russia’s illegal war of aggression against #Ukraine. Ukraine has the full and inherent right to self-defence. We reaffirm our unwavering support for 🇺🇦 and remain fully committed to #NATO collective defence, while continuing to strengthen security and credible deterrence across our region.

OTD in 1948, Soviet structures started the largest mass deportation in Lithuania. During the operation 'Vesna', ~40,000 people were deported – families and supporters of the 🇱🇹 Freedom fighters. Many lost their lives en route or died of slavish labour, deprivation and diseases.

On #VyshyvankaDay, we join Ukrainians around the globe in honouring a symbol of identity, courage and resilience. As Ukraine defends its freedom, Lithuania's support remains unwavering. 🇱🇹🇺🇦