Lithuania submits formal protest to Russia over use of Oreshnik missile in Ukraine

Lithuania has lodged a formal protest with Russia over its latest mass missile and drone attack on Ukraine, including the use of the medium-range ballistic missile Oreshnik, the Foreign Ministry in Vilnius announced on Saturday.

A senior representative of the Russian Embassy was summoned to the ministry to receive a note of “strong protest” following Friday night’s attack, in which Russia launched 90 missiles of various types and 600 drones at Ukrainian cities, according to a ministry statement.

“Lithuania categorically rejects any claims by Russian officials attempting to justify last night’s attack and other similar strikes against Ukraine,” the ministry said. It stressed that Russia’s aggression, which began in 2014, remains the sole cause of civilian casualties on both sides.

The ministry condemned the use of the Oreshnik missile near Kyiv as “particularly senseless,” calling it a sign of the Kremlin’s desperation. The strikes, which had no tactical impact on the battlefield, hit residential buildings, commercial sites, and cultural and educational institutions, including Kyiv’s School of Economics. Civilian deaths and dozens of injuries have been reported, with the toll expected to rise.

Lithuania demanded Russia immediately cease hostilities, withdraw all occupying forces from internationally recognised Ukrainian territory, and compensate Ukraine for damages caused by the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Russia had deployed the hypersonic Oreshnik missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, during the attack. Ukrainian air defences intercepted 55 missiles and 549 drones, according to the air force.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda described the assault as further proof that “terror against civilians remains the Kremlin’s primary weapon of war.” He vowed continued support for Ukraine, stating on social media: “Russia will be held accountable.”

Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys called it “one of the most horrifying nights in Ukraine in recent years.”