Šimonite admitted that Russia would definitely consider it a provocation, but emphasized that “if we were always thinking about Russia’s response, we wouldn’t be able to send anything. Every other week we hear that something will lead to nuclear war”.
As the Prime Minister of Lithuania said, Russia is intensifying its attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, such as power plants, schools and hospitals. “Russia is trying to achieve a new wave of people fleeing Ukraine, because people will not have basic communications and services,” warned Šimonite.
There are more than 4.2 million refugees from Ukraine in the European Union, but as the war continues into its third year, many European countries are criticizing aid to Ukrainians.
Šimonite also clarified the news that Lithuania would help Ukraine to recover men of conscription age. “We will not organize the deportation of Ukrainian men and we will not look for them in the country, because that would be illegal,” said Šimonite, adding that the EU has guaranteed them protection until March 2025.
However, those for whom Kyiv provides evidence that he has evaded military service may be denied permanent residency, Shimonite said. She expressed her desire to “help Ukraine to have the potential to rebuild its armed forces and give rest to people who have been at war for a long time.
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Tags: Prime Minister Lithuania announces country ready send soldiers Ukraine training mission
