Lithuania protests Russian strikes on Ukraine and disinformation against Baltics

Lithuania has formally protested to Russia over its recent missile and drone strikes on civilian targets in Ukraine, as well as its ongoing disinformation campaign against the Baltic states, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday.

A protest note was handed to a representative of the Russian embassy, condemning the deliberate attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure as a gross violation of international humanitarian law and a war crime with no statute of limitations.

The ministry reiterated Lithuania’s commitment to ensuring that all those responsible for Russia’s crimes in Ukraine—including planners, organisers, and perpetrators—are identified and held accountable.

During the meeting, Lithuanian officials categorically rejected repeated false claims by Russian representatives targeting the Baltic states. According to the ministry, Lithuania has never allowed its territory or airspace to be used for drone attacks on Russian targets, a position it has communicated to Russia multiple times through both diplomatic channels and public statements.

The ministry also dismissed Russian insinuations about alleged plans by the Baltic states to deport Russian-speaking residents, calling them baseless lies with no foundation in reality.

Recent nights have seen mass Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian civilian sites. On the night of July 6-7, Ukraine endured another large-scale assault involving 68 missiles and hundreds of combat drones, killing at least 27 civilians and injuring around 100. Significant damage was reported in Kyiv and its suburbs, with residential buildings, commercial properties, and energy infrastructure—including fuel depots—destroyed or damaged. Kyiv was struck again on the night of July 7-8.

In response, Ukrainian drones have targeted Russian oil facilities, contributing to fuel shortages in Russia.