Russia may have deliberately targeted the embassy in Kyiv, says Budris
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated that the possibility of a deliberate Russian missile strike on the Lithuanian embassy building in Kyiv cannot be ruled out. According to him, the two Russian missiles that damaged the diplomatic mission last weekend may have been aimed specifically at it.
Budrys noted that the investigation has not yet reached any final conclusions, but this possibility is being considered.
“This possibility cannot be ruled out either, although we cannot say for certain at this point,” the minister said.
He emphasized that, according to the investigation, missiles were indeed fired at the area, and there are no military or other strategic facilities near the diplomatic mission.
“From the investigation’s findings, we know that these were missiles. There are no facilities… nearby; the closest facility that Russia is constantly trying to hit is a power plant a kilometer and a half away. Everything else there—apart from our embassy—is residential buildings. Perhaps the goal was to exert pressure or intimidate, but I can say it was completely in vain. Our resolve has not diminished; it has only grown,” Budris emphasized.
Following the damage to the diplomatic mission, a Russian representative was summoned to the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where a strong protest was lodged.
Officials in Vilnius stressed that Moscow’s actions grossly violate the provisions of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The minister also reported that, according to preliminary data, “Zircon” hypersonic missiles—designed to strike ships—were used during the attack.
“There was no apology, and I would like to draw attention to the footage I received from the embassy staff on Saturday morning: the attack was carried out with supersonic missiles. The ‘Zircon’ missiles, which were designed to attack ships… These are terrifying weapons. We have no idea what they were targeting there, because there is nothing in that area,” he noted.
According to Budris, a Russian representative claimed that Lithuania had allegedly been warned about the dangers of staying in Kyiv, but in Vilnius, such statements are viewed as a direct threat.
“We have measures in place that we could take in response to Russia’s actions directed against us… I wouldn’t want to go into details right now, but… we have the capabilities, tools, and will to defend ourselves if necessary,” the Lithuanian foreign minister emphasized.
The Lithuanian foreign minister made these remarks during an appearance on the national television channel LRT.
Lithuania is considering seeking compensation from Russia for damage caused to its embassy in Kyiv as a result of Russian missile strikes. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated that the legal mechanisms for such compensation exist, at least in theory.
The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will summon the Russian representative in Vilnius after the Lithuanian embassy building was damaged during a nighttime Russian attack on Kyiv.
