The President: Lithuania will never recognize the occupation and annexation of Crimea
President of the Republic of Lithuania
September 24, 2025
President Gitanas Nausėda addressed participants at the Fifth Summit of the International Crimea Platform, held in New York.
In his speech, the President stressed that Lithuania will never recognize the illegal occupation and annexation of Crimea, Sevastopol, or any other Ukrainian territories. He reminded participants that Crimea remains the epicenter of Russia's war against Ukraine, serving as a base for military operations, while local residents continue to suffer systemic human rights violations. The President highlighted the particularly dire situation of the Crimean Tatar community - arbitrary detentions, politically motivated persecution, the dismantling of independent institutions, and the indoctrination of children with militaristic propaganda.
"For Lithuania, Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity are not up for negotiations. By supporting Ukraine, we are defending the core principles of the United Nations Charter," the President said.
Gitanas Nausėda called on the international community to work towards the release of all Ukrainian citizens illegally detained in Crimea, to support the Special International Tribunal for Russia's crimes of aggression, and to focus on the situation of prisoners of war, civilians and abducted children.
The President emphasized that any discussion about easing sanctions is unacceptable at this time: "A weak international response to the occupation and illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 enabled Russia to launch its full-scale war in 2022. Today, we must not repeat the same mistake."
He concluded by stressing that it is essential to maintain and strengthen pressure on Russia through sanctions and international isolation.
The President's Communication Group
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