Lviv, 15 March 2022
On the 20st day of the new stage of Russia’s armed aggression ongoing since 2014, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania and Ukraine have met in Lviv.
The Ministers condemned in the strongest terms the brutal war that the Russian Federation, with direct involvement of the Republic of Belarus, has launched against a sovereign, peaceful and independent Ukraine. By this horrendous act, Russia has flagrantly violated the fundamental principles of international law, the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and many other documents guiding relations between countries. Lithuania and Ukraine demand Russia to immediately stop its unprovoked and unjustified aggression, and to unconditionally withdraw all its occupational military forces from the entire territory of sovereign Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
Russia’s unprovoked military invasion against Ukraine brought suffering and destruction that have not been seen in Europe for decades. The Ministers condemn the indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian objects that are under the protection of international humanitarian law. In the face of this tragedy, the whole world is struck by the brutality of Russia’s regime in this senseless war. Russia, by refusing to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those most in need in Ukraine, and not allowing safe passage for those civilians who want to leave, is committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. The wrongdoings by Mr. Putin and his accomplices must end in The Hague. In this respect, the Ministers expressed their strong support for the investigation process opened by the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.
The Ministers paid tribute to the bravery of people of Ukraine and its military in defending their Homeland from the invader, as well as for defending our shared European values, freedom and democracy.
The Ministers call upon international community to step up providing Ukraine with coordinated military, humanitarian,financial, and political support. They also urge to further increase pressure on Russia and Belarus regimes by significantly widening restrictive measures, including the ban of fossil fuels imports, and further sanctions against individuals, entities, bodies responsible for the atrocities and supporting or benefiting from Putin’s regime, as well as responsible for, involved in or associated with serious human rights violations in Ukraine.They stressed the need to further isolate Russia and its economy, in order to undermine Kremlin’s capacities to attack its neighbours.
The Ministers emphasized that Ukraine must be able to restore its economy after the end of war as soon as possible. Russia must be brought to justice and fully compensate all losses incurred during its invasion into Ukraine.
The actions of the Russian Federation at nuclear energy sites constitute a blatant violation of many conventions on nuclear safety, including the International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. The damage from reckless actions by Russia will be irreparable.
In this regard Ministers urge international community to find a way to force Russia:
o to withdraw troops from peaceful nuclear facilities;
o to introduce at least a 30-kilometer demilitarized zone around the NPPs;
o to ensure normal work of the staff, give them the opportunity to have a rest.
No less important is the financial liquidity of electricity market of Ukraine. Reduction of electricity production and consumer’s inability to repay their utility bill create additional challenges. In this respect, it is important to consider the creation of a coordinated financial mechanism of electricity market support. Pan-European solidarity is needed in preparation for the next winter.
The Ministers also called on NATO to enhance coordination of military and humanitarian support provided by Allies and partners for practical assistance requests made by Ukraine. They also specifically stressed the need to provide Ukrainian military with air defence assets to help defend Ukraine.
The Ministers discussed additional options and instruments towards immediate de-escalation with the view to ensure complete withdrawal of Russia troops from Ukraine. They agreed in this regard to engage capabilities of international organizations, regional alliances and bilateral instruments at maximum extend in order to bring this war to an end. They also agreed to stand jointly in the dialogue on the platforms of the EU, UN and OSCE.
Finally, the Ministers recalled the application of Ukraine to become a member of the European Union, submitted by the President of Ukraine on February 28, 2022. Russia's military invasion into Ukraine has brought this country and Europe into a special, unprecedented turning point in history. Ukraine is fighting for its own security and that of Europe, and we must not forget this when assessing Ukraine's prospects for EU membership. The extraordinary situation requires extraordinary measures and solutions. Ukraine belongs to the European Union family.
The Ministers reconfirmed strong commitments of Ukraine and the Republic of Lithuania to the provisions of the Joint Declaration on the Development of Strategic Partnership between Ukraine and the Republic of Lithuania for 2020-2024 signed by the President of Ukraine and the President of the Republic of Lithuania in the framework of the official visit of the President of Ukraine to the Republic of Lithuania on November 27, 2019.