Lithuania Does Not Rule Out a Targeted Russian Attack on Its Embassy in Kyiv

Lithuania has not ruled out a targeted Russian attack on diplomatic missions in Kyiv after two missiles damaged the building of its embassy last weekend.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated this on LRT.

According to him, this possibility cannot be ruled out, although no definitive conclusions have been reached at this time.

“This possibility also cannot be ruled out, although we cannot say for certain at this point,” the Minister said.

He noted that, according to the investigation, the embassy building was damaged by two Russian missiles.

According to the head of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry, there are no military facilities nearby, and the closest potential target that Russia regularly attempts to strike is a power plant located about one and a half kilometers away.

Possible motive behind the Russian attack

Budris speculated that the attack may have been intended to intimidate or put pressure on Lithuania, but emphasized that it did not affect the country’s position.

“Perhaps the goal was to exert pressure or intimidate, but I can say—it was completely in vain. Our resolve has not diminished; it has grown,” the Lithuanian Foreign Minister noted.

After the embassy building was damaged, a Russian representative was summoned to the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where a strong protest was lodged, highlighting the violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

“There was no apology, and I would like to draw attention to the footage I received from the embassy staff on Saturday morning: the attack was carried out with hypersonic missiles. Those designed to attack ships, the Zircon missiles… These are terrifying weapons. We have no idea what they were targeting there, because there is nothing in that area,” the Minister noted.

Budris reported that a Russian representative had issued an alleged warning about the danger to everyone in Kyiv. According to the Minister, such statements are viewed as a threat in Vilnius.

The Lithuanian foreign minister stated that he sees at least a theoretical possibility of receiving compensation for the damage caused to the embassy in Kyiv.