Statement on Russia’s attack on Ukraine
Dear people of good will,
As an organization dedicated to defending democracy and strengthening the transatlantic relationship, Lithuanian Atlantic Treaty Association (LATA) condemns Russia’s together with the full participation of Belarus illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. There is absolutely no justification for this full-scale offensive war, just as there was no justification for the Russia’s occupation of Crimea and more than 7% of Ukrainian territory in 2014, the occupation of 20% of the Republic of Georgia in 2008, occupation of Chechen Republic of Ichkeria in 2000, or the ongoing and unwelcomed Russian military presence in Moldova. We percept this act of aggression as a bloody insult of the Ukrainian people and insult of theirs closest friends — our countries citizens, societies tied by their common history for centuries.
We are sure this is an attack on Europe’s civilization. This is an attack on the freedoms we as citizens of democratic societies hold dear.
We will undoubtedly and unconditionally defend the right of sovereign nations to determine their own future and the complete rejection of the notion that borders of sovereign states can be changed by force. These are the principles that have made the transatlantic community a beacon for peace, security, and prosperity for almost 73 years.
We know that the transatlantic, international communities and our governments are united in their views of Russia’s blatant violation of the United Nations Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris, the Budapest Memorandum, and the NATO-Russia Founding Act and Minsk Agreements. We believe that NATO’s unity and resolve will only be strengthened by this shameful act of war by the Putin regime.
Tragically, the Ukrainian people must suffer once again at the hands of Russian leaders as they did under Soviet domination. But their sacrifices will not be in vain—our values and freedom will prevail. Our organization is committed to championing these values and Lithuanian government can rely on us in building public support for NATO firm decisions to implement joint military means on aggressors.
God bless Ukraine!
PhD Audrius Skaistys
President of LATA
