A note of protest handed to Russia over air strikes against UkraineMultilateral RelationsNews of the MinistrySpeeches, Statements

On 20 April, a representative of the Russian Embassy was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and handed a note of strong protest over the air strikes carried out by Russian military forces against Ukraine on 15-16 April, which resulted in numerous civilian casualties.

A wave of terror involving nearly 700 combat drones and several dozen ballistic and cruise missiles struck primarily civilian infrastructure and residential buildings in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and other areas of Ukraine. Rescue workers recovered the bodies of 18 victims and provided assistance to more than 120 injured residents.

The note emphasizes that the number and geographical distribution of casualties and the destruction of civilian objects undeniably indicate that the aggressive actions of the Russian Federation are deliberately directed against the civilian population of Ukraine and constitute a clear violation of the norms of international humanitarian law prohibiting acts of violence or threats intended to intimidate the civilian population.

The Republic of Lithuania reiterates its demand that the Russian Federation immediately cease its aggression against Ukraine, withdraw its occupying forces from all internationally recognized Ukrainian territory, and compensate Ukraine for all damage suffered as a result of Russia's aggression.