Lithuanian FM: Russia's strike on embassy in Kyiv may have been deliberate
Lithuania has not ruled out that Russia deliberately targeted its embassy in Kyiv, which was damaged by two Russian missiles over the weekend. Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said the attack has only strengthened Lithuania's resolve.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said on Monday that Vilnius cannot dismiss the possibility that Russia intentionally aimed at Lithuania's embassy in Kyiv during a weekend missile attack that damaged the diplomatic mission. Speaking on LRT TV, Budrys said the allegation cannot yet be confirmed, but noted there are no major strategic facilities near the embassy except a power plant approximately 1.5 kilometres away, which Russia has previously tried to hit. The surrounding area is otherwise residential, he said.
Budrys speculated that the attack may have been meant to pressure or frighten Lithuania, but said it has had the opposite effect, adding that the country's resolve has only strengthened. The embassy, located in Kyiv's Pechersk district, was hit by two missiles that landed about five and 150 metres away during overnight strikes on Saturday. The blasts damaged window frames, shattered glass, and affected the roof and solar panels. No staff members were injured.
In response, Lithuania summoned a representative of Russia's embassy in Vilnius and issued a formal protest, calling the strike a gross violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. According to Budrys, Russia has not apologised for the incident.
The minister said the embassy was struck by Zircon hypersonic missiles, which are primarily designed to target ships, and added that Lithuania does not know what the intended target was. He said Russia's representative argued that Lithuania had been warned of the danger because the whole of Kyiv was under threat. Budrys said Lithuania views such warnings as threats.
In its diplomatic note, Lithuania said it will seek compensation from Russia for the damage and reserved the right to take further retaliatory measures. Budrys confirmed that response measures have been planned, but declined to provide details, saying Lithuania has the capabilities, tools and will to defend itself if needed.
