Lithuania's Foreign Minister Did Not Rule Out a Deliberate Russian Attack on the Embassy in Kyiv
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated that he does not rule out the possibility that Russia—the aggressor state—deliberately targeted diplomatic missions in Kyiv. He made these remarks after the Lithuanian embassy building was damaged by two missiles during a Russian attack on the capital on the night of August 1.
Speaking on LRT, Budrys noted that the theory of deliberate targeting cannot yet be confirmed with certainty. According to him, investigation findings indicate that missiles were used during the attack. The minister identified a power plant located about one and a half kilometers from the embassy as the nearest target that Russia is constantly trying to hit. In another part of the district, he said, there are residential buildings and the Lithuanian diplomatic mission.
The Lithuanian foreign minister suggested that the attack may have been intended to intimidate or exert pressure. At the same time, he emphasized that Lithuania’s resolve has not diminished but has grown stronger. Budris also reported that the attack, he said, was carried out using “Zircon” hypersonic missiles, designed to strike ships.
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After the embassy was damaged, a Russian representative was summoned to the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Officials expressed a strong protest and emphasized the gross violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Budris said that the Russian side had not apologized, and that its representative’s statement warning Lithuania about the danger to everyone in Kyiv was viewed in Vilnius as a threat.
The minister added that Lithuania has the capabilities, tools, and will to defend itself if necessary, but did not specify what countermeasures might be taken.
