The Elektrėnai municipality has rejected Russian allegations that it is desecrating the remains of Soviet soldiers, while confirming plans to relocate the remains of more than 100 soldiers buried after the Second World War.
Elektėnai municipality mayor Gediminas Ratkevičius said the aim was to move the remains to a more appropriate location.
"The goal is to relocate the soldiers' remains to a place of honour because the current location is not suitable. Public events and city celebrations take place there, and we believe the site does not provide the appropriate setting for a military burial," he said on Tuesday.
His comments came after Russia summoned Lithuania's chargé d'affaires in Moscow on Monday and protested against what it described as the desecration of Soviet war graves.
According to Ratkevičius, the remains will be reburied at the cemetery in Vievis city, a few hundred metres from the current site.
"All permits and documentation are in place, and the municipal council has taken the necessary decisions. Work will begin shortly," he said.
Ratkevičius said around 111 soldiers were believed to be buried at the site, although the exact number would be confirmed during the relocation process.
He said the work could be completed this year, although archaeological investigations and other factors could affect the schedule.
On Monday, Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a formal protest, accusing Lithuania of planning the "liquidation" of Soviet war graves in Vievis. It also stated that the desecration of graves is a criminal offence under Russian law.
Lithuania's chargé d'affaires in Moscow was previously summoned on 30 April following the exhumation of Russian soldiers' remains in Siauliai.
Lithuania's Foreign Ministry has not yet commented on the latest protest.
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