In his speech, the President emphasized the importance of the ideas of freedom and independence and Lithuania’s historical place in Europe. “Lithuania has been an integral part of Europe for centuries, and even in the face of the most difficult trials, occupations and reigns of terror, we have preserved this fundamental bond. Our strong belief that sooner or later we would return to the community of independent European nations built on the foundations of freedom, responsibility and trust kept our hope alive during the long years of occupation,” the President spoke.
Gitanas Nausėda underlined that it was this belief that helped Lithuania to resolutely pursue its independence and to break out of the Soviet prison. He added that Ukraine was in a similar situation today, fighting for its freedom and European future. The support of Europe, according to President Gitanas Nausėda, is vital for Ukrainians.
“I am happy that Europe did not succumb to the lies, disinformation and intimidation spread by Russia. We stood united and extended a helping hand to Ukrainians when they needed it the most. After overcoming some doubts, we are now moving forward with more determination, strength and resilience than ever before,” the President noted.
The Lithuanian leader underlined the importance of preserving the historical truth and accountability for the crimes of Russia’s aggression. According to the President, the fact that the crimes of the Stalinist regime were not condemned after the Second World War created the conditions in the Soviet Union, and later in Russia, for the glorification of the perpetrators of war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and other crimes against humanity.
“Unexposed evil kept in silence for years not only threatens fundamental European values, but also prevents the Russian people from confronting their past. We must therefore break this cycle of lies, glorification of criminals and blatant aggression before it crushes us all. This will not only determine the fate of Ukraine and its people, but will also shape the prospects for lasting and sustainable peace in Europe,” Gitanas Nausėda emphasized.
The President stressed the importance of continuing the EU’s policy of sanctions against Russia and expressed his strong support for the establishment of a special international tribunal to investigate the crime of aggression, as well as for the use of frozen Russian assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
In his address, Gitanas Nausėda also spoke on the importance of EU enlargement. He welcomed the recent historic decisions on Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkan countries. The President underlined that Lithuania strongly supported the opening of EU membership negotiations with Ukraine later this year.
Gitanas Nausėda also focused on the issue of Europe’s energy independence. The Lithuanian leader stressed that the energy blackmail that Russia had resorted to showed that the EU was resilient and able to take decisions quickly enough.
“I am convinced that Lithuania’s decision to abandon the import of Russian energy supplies—gas, oil and electricity—is an example to be followed by other EU countries,” the President underscored.
