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Statement by Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the Bucha Summit

President of the Republic of Lithuania

March 31, 2023

I am grateful for this important opportunity to speak out today, one year after the liberation of Ukrainian territories from the Russian invaders, and also one year after the shocking revelation of the true nature of the Russian aggression.

Today I feel a duty to speak about the war crimes and other violations of international law committed in Ukraine by Russian military. Those crimes cannot - and should not - be forgotten. To reach a moral clarity necessary to deal with present-day issues, we must remember the great evil that has already been done.

One year ago, news about the tragic events in Bucha and other towns around Kyiv came out as a great shock. None of us, I believe, could have thought about such atrocities happening on European soil once again. This went far beyond the power of our imagination.

And yet we were forced to witness the results of those four weeks of terror, bloodshed and destruction. Brutal violence has left deep marks in Bucha's streets and houses. But most importantly, it brought untold suffering to innocent people.

Many scars will never heal. Those who survived, as well as those who perished, deserve to see justice done. Therefore, I commend the efforts of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, whose recent report confirms a widespread pattern of summary executions with the highest number in the Kyiv region.

It is now well documented that the Russian authorities and forces have committed numerous war crimes and crimes against humanity. It is our duty to do everything possible to bring the perpetrators, as well as responsible officials and military leaders, to justice. Therefore, Lithuania fully supports the investigation launched by the International Criminal Court's Prosecutor. My country is also actively assisting through participation in the Joint Investigation Team in EUROJUST.

The International Criminal Court's decision to issue an arrest warrant against Putin is a clear signal that no one - no one - is beyond the reach of justice, and there will be no impunity.

Having in mind that the deportation of children is only one of Russia's many criminal actions in Ukraine, the international community needs to make another crucial step. To ensure that there is full accountability, we must address the original crime - the crime of aggression.

I therefore call on everyone to support the establishment of a Special International Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. My great hope is that Russian leaders and their accomplices in this war will be held accountable. Until this becomes a reality, Lithuania will stand firmly in full solidarity with Ukraine.

The people of Ukraine have demonstrated incredible ability to resist the brutal aggression of the Russian forces. With their love for freedom, determination and resilience, they have already set an immortal example for us all.

I firmly believe in Ukraine's victory. I believe that after Bucha, which was liberated one year ago, the time will come for other Ukrainian cities, towns and villages. And justice will prevail in the end.

Thank you!