Address by Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the international forum "Pursuing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula: Joint Actions of Ukraine and Lithuania towards the Long-Lasting Peace"
President of the Republic of Lithuania
February 24, 2023
Your Magnificence Rector,
Dear Member of the European Commission,
Your Excellencies Ambassadors,
Members of the Academia,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are meeting at a critical hour in the history of our region and the whole of Europe.
One year has passed since the start of the ongoing Russian full-scale invasion, and almost nine years - since the start of the unprovoked Russian aggression against Ukraine. After much bloodshed, and huge sacrifices made by the brave Ukrainian defenders, their country is still standing strong. Throughout all these years, exceptional courage, resilience and unity have become the defining features of Ukrainian national resistance.
While Ukrainian people are bravely fighting for their own dignity, identity and the sovereignty of their country, what also weighs on their shoulders is the future of Europe. Only Ukraine's victory will safeguard our shared values of freedom and democracy as well as the rules-based international order.
I commend my dear friend Volodymyr, the President of Ukraine, for his leadership shown during this most difficult time. Even today, we will have the opportunity to listen to his brave and wise words and to feel inspired by his relentless drive towards the final, and decisive, victory.
I believe that we are all strong believers in Ukraine's ability to withstand this brutal aggression, to consolidate democracy and to create a strong basis for future economic growth.
However, we must also acknowledge the darker reality of war. In his latest annual address, the Russian leader yet again indicated stubborn willingness to push forward, no matter the cost. Russian forces are still in the occupied Ukrainian territories. The Kremlin's imperialistic ambitions threaten the survival of the Ukrainian nation, as well as the European security architecture. At this perilous moment, peace still looks a distant possibility.
And yet it is precisely long-lasting peace that Lithuania, Ukraine and all the other free nations of the world must seek by joint action. Not any kind of ceasefire that would give the aggressor more time to prepare the next attack. Nor an appeasement called peace that would eventually encourage the Russian regime to continue military expansion.
No, what we need is a kind of peace that is just, sustainable and aimed at discouraging any new acts of aggression. A long-lasting peace as described by President Zelenskyy in his vision.
Ukraine has stated clearly that key preconditions for peace is the withdrawal of all Russian troops and armed formations, and the restoration of justice, including accountability for the crime of aggression and compensation for the damages.
So far, Russia is clearly not listening. Therefore, true peace can only be based on international community speaking in one voice and actively supporting Ukraine.
The coming months will be crucial for the outcome of the war. The speed and the scope of the Allies' military and financial support will be key in seeking decisive Ukrainian victory.
Recognizing this, Lithuania has already provided Ukraine with official assistance worth more than 800 million euros. And more is to come.
My country also seeks to participate in implementing President Zelenskyy's peace formula, especially in the fields of accountability and energy security.
To move forward, we must increase pressure on Russia. It must be held accountable for the crime of aggression. We also need to restore the credibility of the multilateral institutions that were sadly unable to prevent, stop or even adequately punish Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
The many crimes committed by Russian soldiers and mercenaries are the direct result of decisions taken by Russia's top political and military leadership. Responsibility for all the systemic killing, torture and deportation campaigns falls on the Russian leadership. Allowing them to escape prosecution, would deny justice for millions of Ukrainians and undermine the very idea of international accountability.
Recognizing this, Lithuania firmly supports the initiative to establish a Special International Tribunal to prosecute the crime of aggression in Ukraine. Lithuania is also doing everything possible to consolidate the necessary international support.
My country condemns Russia's systematic use of missiles and drones to attack civilians, civilian objects and infrastructure across Ukraine in breach of international humanitarian law. This is not new, sadly. Whenever Russia goes to war, whole cities are being levelled to the ground and civilian infrastructure destroyed. It should not continue. Ukraine must receive as much air and missile defense as necessary.
Today it is also crucially important to help Ukraine to cope with the damage to its critical infrastructure. So far, Lithuania is leading the European Union member states in electricity generators and transformers donated to Ukraine. Hopefully, other nations will follow suit.
Soon, Ukraine will be in dire need for modern infrastructure solutions, including green energy. Lithuania - the first country to stop buying Russian energy resources - will be ready to assist Ukraine with its future energy transformation.
In the long run, forging reliable, resilient, low-carbon, and affordable energy systems - ones that cannot be threatened or manipulated by monopolistic suppliers - will benefit both Ukrainian and European economies and societies.
Lithuania remains a loyal ally and reliable partner on Ukraine's road to European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Remarkable commitment to the European course shown by the government and people of Ukraine even in the midst of war is truly inspiring.
I very much welcome the progress that Ukraine has made in implementing reforms and following the recommendations of the European Commission. I call for the start of Ukraine-EU accession negotiations as soon as possible. Ukraine's place is in the EU family.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
For Lithuanians, this war touches something deep in our soul. With a truly transformative power it changes our society in more than one way.
This last year has been a period of great sadness and pain, and also of remarkable solidarity and unity. The Lithuanian people have been eager to help their brothers and sisters from Ukraine, and they have proved it time and again.
In many instances, this meant opening the doors to Ukrainian refugees. So far, Lithuania has provided a safe stay to more than 65 thousand Ukrainian people. Almost 20 thousand Ukrainian schoolchildren have entered our education system. Even more adult Ukrainians - about half of the working-age people who have arrived - joined the Lithuanian labor market.
The Ukrainian Center opened in Vilnius with a possibility to operate in other Lithuanian cities and regions. I would like to use this opportunity to thank the Vytautas Magnus University as well as the Embassy of Ukraine - for your partnership in establishing such a Center.
The war in Ukraine has also contributed to the extraordinary development of civic initiatives in Lithuania. Lots of people today join non-governmental organizations, volunteer, share money and their belongings.
For us, there is simply no turning back. Lithuania will stand with Ukraine as long as it takes, and we will contribute as much as possible to the peace we all so sincerely desire.
Thank you!
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