**Lithuania Stands Firm Against Russia’s Ukrainian Annexations**
In a unanimous decision, Lithuania’s parliament has adopted a resolution stating that it will never recognize territories of Ukraine seized by Russia. This move comes as the international community continues to grapple with ways to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
On May 8th, all 118 members of the Seimas, Lithuania’s parliament, voted in favor of the resolution, with no abstentions or votes against. The resolution is a clear statement of Lithuanian solidarity with Ukraine and its people. By adopting this measure, Lithuania is sending a strong message that it will not tolerate Russian aggression and annexations on Ukrainian territory.
**Russia’s Aggression in Ukraine**
Moscow’s occupation of Ukrainian territories has been ongoing for years, with Crimea being annexed in 2014 and additional territories taken after the start of the full-scale war in 2022. Russia now controls around 20% of Ukraine’s sovereign land. The international community has long condemned these actions as a clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
**Ukraine’s Red Lines**
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently rejected the possibility of recognizing Russian control over Crimea, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has outlined red lines in peace negotiations, stating that Ukraine will not agree to recognize any temporarily occupied territories as Russian. Lithuania’s resolution is a strong endorsement of these positions.
**Implications for Peace Talks**
The adoption of this resolution by Lithuania comes amidst reports that the US is ready to recognize Russia’s control over certain Ukrainian territories as part of a peace deal. While the specifics of such a deal are not yet clear, it is evident that there will be significant pushback from Ukraine and its allies.
By standing firm against Russian annexations, Lithuania is demonstrating its commitment to upholding international law and supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty. This move should serve as a warning to Russia that any attempts to legitimize their occupation of Ukrainian territory will not be tolerated by the international community.
**What Does This Mean for the Future?**
The adoption of this resolution highlights the deep-seated divisions between Russia and its Western neighbors over issues such as territorial integrity, sovereignty, and human rights. As peace talks continue, it is clear that these fundamental differences in values and principles will need to be addressed if a lasting settlement is to be achieved.
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