Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, currently on a visit to Ukraine, has called for the immediate release of all Ukrainian citizens who remain illegally detained and imprisoned by Russia.
Speaking at the Summit of the International Crimea Platform on Wednesday, he stated that the Kremlin must release all illegally imprisoned human rights defenders, journalists, civic activists, as well as Crimean Tatars.
“Every day, and on every occasion, Russia must be reminded that ‘Crimea is Ukraine’. Russia’s reign of terror in Crimea and other occupied Ukrainian territories must end,” Nausėda said.
The Lithuanian leader noted that for the past ten years, Russia has been implementing brutal colonial policies in Crimea, including severe restrictions on the rights of local residents.
According to him, Russia and its accomplices must be held accountable for the war crimes it committed and the very crime of aggression, therefore, Lithuania consistently supports the idea of establishing a Special International Tribunal.
“Every new atrocity committed by Russia against the people of Ukraine – every rocket strike against civilian infrastructure, every innocent person detained and tortured in the occupied territories – is part of the tragic narrative that began in Crimea. And this story must also end in Crimea,” the Lithuanian president said.
He emphasised Lithuania’s commitment to continue supporting Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The International Crimea Platform Summit, initiated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in 2021, is taking place for the fourth time.
This year, in addition to the Presidents of Ukraine and Lithuania, it is attended by the Latvian and Croatian prime ministers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the participants remotely.
The International Crimea Platform Summit issued a joint statement, strongly condemning Russia’s illegal actions in the occupied territories, expressing support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and highlighting its contribution to European and international security.
Crimea was annexed by Russia in 2014.
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