Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Legislation, Lithuania, Ukraine

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Ambassador Murmokaite noted that in spite of reassurances from Moscow a few weeks ago, military aggression against Ukraine, its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity had not stopped with Crimea. The scenario of current unrest in eastern Ukraine is dangerously familiar, she said, drawing parallels with events leading to Crimea's occupation. She conveyed the condemnation of the Lithuanian Government of the actions by separatist groups in Donetsk region and other eastern regions of Ukraine, including Luhansk and Kharkiv.

Murmokaite welcomed the efforts of Ukrainian Government to re-establish law and order and authority of the state.

"The independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine are being threatened, and this threat is a threat to the security and stability of the whole region, Europe, and beyond," noted the Lithuanian Ambassador.

"We urge the Russian Federation to call back its troops from the Ukrainian border, stop supporting separatist groups and to cease any further actions aimed at destabilizing Ukraine. A meeting between the US, Russia, Ukraine and EU foreseen for 17 April in Geneva offers a viable chance for dialogue and diplomacy. We call on Russia not to waste that opportunity", stressed the Ambassador Murmokaite.