Ukraine Should Remain in the Spotlight Amidst Focus on Israel, Says Lithuanian Foreign Minister
Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabrielius Landsbergis, has urged the international community not to lose sight of Ukraine and its fight against Russian aggression during the war between Israel and Hamas.
His words were reported by LRT.
"As we focus on Israel and Palestine, it is of utmost importance to remain committed to Ukraine, which continues to resist Russian aggression. Although this war is geographically unfolding on the European continent, it has immense global implications," Landsbergis said during a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart in Egypt.
By targeting grain silos, ports, and dams, Russia aims to block the supply of Ukrainian grain to the most vulnerable parts of the world, Landsbergis emphasized.
"In my opinion, these deliberate actions amount to crimes against humanity," he added, stating that Russia seeks to spread instability beyond Europe, into Africa and parts of the Arab world, using its mercenaries and malicious propaganda.
Lithuania and Egypt, Europe and the Arab world, all have a vested interest in upholding a rules-based system that ensures peace and stability, the Lithuanian Foreign Minister added.
"However, there are other actors who are far less interested in stability, whose goal is to sow discord and profit from suffering. We cannot allow these forces to prevail," he said.
It is worth noting that during the "Ramstein" format meeting the day before, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received assurances from allies that support for Ukraine would continue, despite the complex situation in Israel.
In particular, U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin assured Zelenskyy during their meeting that the United States would continue to provide Ukraine with continuous arms support and announced a new package of military aid to Ukraine worth $200 million.
As reported by The Gaze, the Lithuanian government is actively exploring alternative plans to repatriate its citizens from Israel, who are stranded due to the delay of the regular evacuation flight. According to the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, about 7,000 Lithuanian citizens currently reside in Israel, with an additional 500 tourists in the country.
Currently, due to the Hamas attack on Israel, several American and European airlines have suspended flights to Tel Aviv.