“We Will Not Yield to Threats”: Lithuania Delivered a Note of Protest to Russia and Refused to Withdraw Diplomats from Kyiv

A representative of the Russian embassy in Lithuania was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he was handed an official note of protest, BNS reports, citing the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The reason for this was the ongoing Russian strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, as well as a statement from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 3, which mentioned possible massive strikes on the Ukrainian capital and called for foreign diplomats present there to leave the city. Vilnius regarded such statements as a threat of the use of force and a violation of international law. The Lithuanian side specifically emphasized that the demands to leave Kyiv also affect Lithuanian diplomats working there. > “Lithuania categorically rejects Russia's threats against Lithuanian diplomats demanding they leave Kyiv,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated. For the Lithuanian embassy, these statements will not change its mode of operation. The diplomatic mission will remain in Kyiv and continue to perform its functions despite Russian warnings. In the note, Lithuania also condemned the strikes on Ukrainian cities, bridges, and other civilian infrastructure, as well as attacks that harm the civilian population. Vilnius considers such actions and threats of further use of force to be a gross violation of international and humanitarian law. Particular attention in the document is given to the safety of diplomats. Lithuania demanded that Russia cease threats against them and adhere to the obligations set forth in the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. > “Such threats only once again confirm Russia's intention to continue aggression and military actions against Ukraine. The Republic of Lithuania strongly urges the Russian Federation to immediately cease threats against diplomats and comply with its obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated. Vilnius again demanded that Moscow immediately and unconditionally cease military actions, withdraw Russian troops from all internationally recognized territory of Ukraine, and compensate for the damage caused to the country. The note was delivered against the backdrop of intense Russian attacks on Kyiv using drones and ballistic missiles. Despite the escalation of the situation, Lithuania makes it clear that the presence of its diplomats in the Ukrainian capital remains.