Lithuania has summoned a representative of the Russian Embassy and handed them a diplomatic note in response to indirect threats from the Kremlin against diplomatic missions in Kiev.
The note strongly condemned a “warning” issued by Russia regarding possible retaliatory strikes in the event of Ukrainian attacks during Russia’s celebrations marking Victory Day on May 9.
Russia’s war against Ukraine and such a statement clearly violated the United Nations Charter and international law, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued on Friday.
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It should be regarded as a “direct, cynical and unprecedented threat of violence against foreign embassies and the population of Kiev”.
The dispute comes ahead of annual commemorations in Russia marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, including a major military parade in Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a two-day ceasefire in the war against Ukraine for May 8–9 to coincide with the events.
However, Russian authorities have also warned of potential retaliation in central Kiev if Ukraine were to launch attacks during the commemorations.
Following those warnings, Russia’s defence ministry reportedly advised civilians and foreign diplomatic staff to leave the Ukrainian capital of around 3 million residents in time.