The Lithuanian parliament is planning to consider a resolution condemning the deportation of Ukrainian children at the next session of the Seimas, which will begin on 10 March. This was announced by the Speaker of the Seimas, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, following a working meeting with the Vice Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Olena Kondratiuk, in Vilnius.
During the meeting, Olena Kondratiuk handed over to the Speaker of the Lithuanian Parliament a draft resolution developed jointly with international lawyers.
The Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine reminded that according to official data alone, russia has deported or illegally taken away almost 20,000 Ukrainian children. Only 388 have been returned since the full-scale invasion.
“Every voice that is raised in defence of our children is extremely important. The more publicity and international pressure there is, the more chances we have to return our children home,” said Olena Kondratiuk at a joint press conference following the bilateral talks.
For her part, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen noted that at the request of the Ukrainian side, the Seimas would also work on a resolution on non-recognition of the presidential elections in russia, especially in terms of their illegal holding in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
“We have discussed this issue with the Vice Speaker Olena Kondratiuk and we are ready not to recognise the results of these elections,” said Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen.
During the meeting in the Lithuanian Parliament, the parties also discussed support for Ukraine's accession to NATO before the Washington Summit. The Speaker of the Seimas assured that her country is actively advocating the need for Ukraine's invitation and accession to the North Atlantic Alliance.
The visit of the Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Olena Kondratiuk to Vilnius is taking place at the personal invitation of the Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania. Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen is in charge of helping Ukrainian women in Lithuania who have been granted temporary protection. Together with Olena Kondratiuk, they also plan to visit local centres for Ukrainian women.
Photo: Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania