Lithuania refuses to accept Ukrainians

The Lithuanian government has decided to suspend the provision of asylum for Ukrainians. It is stated that the restriction is temporary and will last until Ukrainian authorities create conditions for their citizens who have been forced to leave conflict zones and settle in other parts of the country and the world.

It is reported that the number of Ukrainian citizens seeking asylum in Lithuania has significantly increased in the past year due to military actions in the eastern regions of Ukraine.

• It is very important to be aware of the latest news nowadays. However, there are many resources where news is not truthful. Read the latest business and economic news at best-of-news.ru. Stay updated on the latest news

Already 70 Ukrainians have applied for political asylum this year, while previously no more than five people per year would apply to the Lithuanian embassy.

In 2014, this number began to rise - 31 Ukrainian citizens received additional protection. Most Ukrainians seek asylum to avoid the threat of war in their homeland.

'The fact that these people have a real opportunity to move permanently to other regions of Ukraine for safety definitely influences the decision to grant asylum to Ukrainians who have fled the country due to military conflict' - said Viktor Ostrovnoy, head of the asylum department of the Lithuanian migration office.

It should be noted that in the past year of turmoil in Ukraine, Lithuania has been one of the strongest supporters among EU countries. The President of Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaitė, was even named 'Person of the Year' by Ukrainians. Grybauskaitė was recognized for 'defending Ukraine’s interests by supporting the country’s democratic aspirations at the highest international level.'

At the same time, Grybauskaitė has been an outspoken critic of Russia's military intervention in eastern Ukraine, calling Russia a 'terrorist state.'

In recent years, Lithuania has insisted on the full integration of Ukraine into the European Union and has actively promoted this process.

Moreover, Lithuania has publicly confirmed that it supplied ammunition and equipment to ATO fighters and the regular Ukrainian army. The President of Lithuania and the Minister of Foreign Affairs have repeatedly called on the Western world to provide Kyiv with arms and military equipment.

Lithuanian support in Ukraine has also manifested itself in training programs aimed at treating Ukrainian soldiers who have been injured during the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Many soldiers (about 50 are planned for this year) have been taken by Lithuania for treatment on its territory.