Linas Linkevičius: Russia Behaves Insolently Criticizing Lithuania For Helping Ukraine

Lithuania’s MFA is outraged by the Kremlin criticizing shipment of military equipment to Ukraine by Vilnius.

We remind, Lithuania recently passed Ukraine a cargo of ammunition weighing 150 tonnes, mostly Kalashnikov cartridges of various modifications that do not meet NATO standards. These actions were criticized by Russia's new human rights ombudsman Tatiana Moskalkova at a meeting with EU ambassador in Moscow Vygaudas Usackas.

The charter97.org correspondent has discussed this and other themes with Lithuania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevičius.

– How do you assess the criticism of Lithuania for shipment military ammunition to Ukraine, from the side of Tatiana Moskalkova, Russia's new human rights ombudsman?

– This appears huge insolence. How dare they set such demands to us, the country which symbolically demonstrated its support to Ukraine, which is fighting against the aggressor? Russia itself constantly arms the separatists, ships them heavy armament – tanks and rockets. Still, the Kremlin saw some threat in our case.

– Is Vilnius planning to continue cooperation with Kyiv despite the pressure from Russia?

– Yes. We cooperate with Ukraine constantly. We consult and help – there are no reasons we should stop cooperation with Kyiv.

– In your opinion, what else should be expected from the Kremlin diplomats?

– They are always inventing something new, very often they come up with totally irrational steps and maneuvers even for Russia itself. However, their only achievement seems to be that the European countries unite.

I hope Russia’s actions will become more logical, and the Kremlin will realize it is necessary to regard the opinions of neighbours.

– Does it seem that Minsk sticks to the same policy when it comes to responding to Vilnius’ pleas to stop the NPP construction in Astravets?

– Unfortunately, it is difficult to claim any progress here. It is hard for us to reach agreement with Minsk. We do not demand some sort of special conditions from Minsk, we are trying to achieve security of the object and its full compliance with the European standards. There is a need for stress-tests, for the IAEA commissions. It would be perfect to see an international, independent group of experts who would carry out supervision over the NPP construction. Nevertheless, I do believe in compromise and that we will find consensus in the end.