Lithuania warns of a new war from Russia: why borders cannot be changed.

Statement from the Lithuanian Minister about threats to territorial integrity

According to ТСН: Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys expressed concern about the possible consequences of peace negotiations if even minor border changes are granted to Russia. He believes this could create a dangerous precedent for aggression against other countries, including Lithuania.

Budrys emphasized:

“If we allow borders to be redrawn in any form, even the slightest one, they will come to us with a marker and a map, and then with tanks, to redraw the borders. We cannot allow any de jure or de facto legitimization of occupied territories. These principles are very important.”

He also stressed the use of all available levers in negotiations to achieve a just peace in Ukraine. Among these levers, he mentioned frozen Russian assets, the possible membership of Ukraine in the EU, and the establishment of a special tribunal for Russia.

In his opinion, understanding the modern rules of the game is a complex task:

“The rules of the modern world are very complicated to understand – they are quite rough and straightforward. Either you have levers and tools that can be laid on the table, which threaten what to give or not to give, or you don't. But then don't complain that you are not at the table.”

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen also warned against any “unilateral division of a sovereign European state,” emphasizing that borders cannot be changed by violence, as this could lead to new conflicts in the future.

Moreover, Deputy Head of the President's Office Iryna Mudra confirmed that the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, as well as Russia's responsibility for aggression, should not be put on the negotiation table. Peace, she said, must be just.

The position of Lithuania and other European countries reflects growing concern over potential changes in territorial boundaries that could threaten security in the region. Discussions around these issues remain relevant, as the consequences for international stability could be serious. It is important for all parties to adhere to the principles of international law and respect the sovereignty of states.