The Lithuanian authorities introduce a state of emergency in the republic in light of the start of a large-scale war between Russia and Ukraine. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda signed a corresponding decree on Thursday, February 24. Parliament is expected to approve it during an extraordinary session.
The state of emergency will be in effect until March 10. This move by official Vilnius gives the Lithuanian leadership more ability to respond to any infrastructure or cybersecurity emergencies, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte said.
The President of Lithuania urged the Russians not to be silent
On the same day, Nauseda addressed the Russian people. “It’s not too late to stop this crime. It’s not too late to prevent the deaths of thousands of innocent people,” the Lithuanian leader stressed. “Don’t be silent. Don’t close your eyes to injustice. Be brave and resolute,” he urged the Russians.
Minister of Education of Lithuania: Let’s take care of children from Ukraine
Meanwhile, Lithuanian Minister of Education Jurgita Shyugzhdinene said that the department “will take care of all Ukrainian children if they end up in Lithuania because of the war.” They will look for housing and organize lessons for them, she assured. In addition, the Lithuanian authorities will strengthen support for Ukrainian citizens already studying in the republic.
Aggression against Ukraine
On the night of February 24, the President of the Russian Federation announced the start of a war against Ukraine, calling it a “special military operation in the Donbass” in order to protect people who “have been subjected to genocide by the Kiev regime for eight years.” Putin’s claims of genocide have previously been refuted by both the European Union and the United Nations. Western politicians accused the Russian president of lying.
Russia recognized “DNR” and “LNR”
On the evening of February 21, Russia recognized the separatist “DNR” and “LNR”. Later, Vladimir Putin said that the “independence” of these entities is recognized within the borders of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. The Federation Council of the Russian Federation allowed the president to use the army in eastern Ukraine, near the borders of which about 150,000 Russian troops were concentrated.
Kiev and the world community have sharply condemned the gross violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. The European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada have decided on new sanctions against Russia, Japan and Australia intend to follow them.
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