Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis commented on Russia placing numerous Lithuanian politicians on its wanted list, describing the act as a kind of political reward for those who support Ukraine. The remark, reported by the agency BNS, framed the list as more than a mere legal step; it Signaled a tool used in diplomatic signaling and public rhetoric amid the ongoing conflict and efforts to rally Western support for Kyiv. Landsbergis stressed that the gesture carries a political signal, and that those named should read the move as part of a broader battlefield of influence and narrative shaping between Moscow and its adversaries.
The minister added that the individuals targeted by Moscow should consider the practical implications of the warrant and possible travel routes. He suggested they might explore destinations in third countries where extradition decisions could be more difficult to enforce, pointing to the complexities that arise when nations cooperate on arrest warrants and the varying legal frameworks that govern such actions. In Landsbergis’s view, this creates a predicament for the listed figures, who must weigh personal safety, legal exposure, and international obligations as they navigate the consequences of the Russian decision.
In a related development, Lithuania previously expressed strong protest by summoning the Charge d’Affaires of the Russian Federation in response to the wanted list. A representative of the Russian Embassy in Lithuania was called to the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 14 and presented with a firm note of protest over the inclusion of Lithuanian politicians, civil servants, and other public figures on the list. The Lithuanian side underscored that the action reflected Russia’s direct fulfillment of its duties and stated that the response would be calibrated to uphold national interests and sovereignty while maintaining diplomatic channels open for dialogue where possible.
Russia’s Interior Ministry had earlier announced that Lithuanian Culture Minister Simonas Kairys was among those targeted by the justice system in Moscow. The designation added another layer to a growing cross-border confrontation that spans political leadership, cultural figures, and public administration. Observers noted that such warrants complicate cross-border travel and professional activity while highlighting persistent tensions between Russia and Baltic states in the post-Soviet security environment.
In the broader regional context, the Estonian prime minister commented on the situation, drawing attention to the alignment between Baltic states in confronting Moscow’s moves. The remarks from Tallinn reflected a shared concern about the use of arrest warrants as political leverage and underscored the importance of coordinated responses among neighboring countries that observe similar legal and moral standards when dealing with accusations of wrongdoing or political retribution. The dialogue across capitals illustrated a united front focused on safeguarding democratic institutions and the rule of law, even as it acknowledged the personal and diplomatic costs of escalating tensions with Russia.