23 September 2026

President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda joined the Sixth Summit of the International Crimea Platform

“Russia’s war against Ukraine did not begin in 2022. It began in 2014 with the illegal occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol. More than 12 years later, Crimea and its residents remain under occupation.”

President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda said that Crimea has become a Russian military base and a place where human rights are systematically violated.

Gitanas Nausėda reaffirmed Lithuania’s non-recognition of Russia’s occupation of Crimea and other Ukrainian territories.

“This war started with Crimea and must ultimately end with Crimea’s return to Ukraine,” Nausėda said.

He called on participants of the International Crimea Platform and the United Nations member states to take five actions: continue the policy of non-recognition; keep Crimea high on the international agenda; strengthen international monitoring and reporting of human rights violations, political repression and militarization in Crimea; increase pressure on Russia through stronger sanctions, diplomatic isolation and accountability mechanisms; and continue supporting the people in Crimea.

Gitanas Nausėda also called for the release of political prisoners, protection of human rights defenders and continued documentation of Russia’s abuses under occupation.