On March 3, the Lithuanian Seimas and World Lithuanian Community Commission held a remote meeting with guest speakers from the ministries of foreign affairs and national defense, the President’s office, the Ukrainian Congress and the Ukrainian Lithuanian Community, as well as representatives from Denmark, Germany, Greece, Sweden and other countries. In all, over 100 participants attended the Zoom meeting.
After reports about the brutal events in Ukraine by Ukrainian Lithuanian Community president Dalia Makarova and members of the Ukrainian Congress, the second part of the session was dedicated to discussing possible assistance the Lithuanian diaspora could extend to Ukraine. Lithuanian Red Cross director Kristina Meidė noted that Lithuania has been sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the early days of the war. In this area it is important to listen to what Ukrainians need, and not volunteer individual initiatives. K.Meidė emphasized that collecting medication is not advisable because Ukraine is currently being sent non-pharmaceutical essentials, because drug shipments require adherence to various government requirements. It is best to collect funds and send them to Ukrainian Red Cross organizations with specific instructions as to their designation. In this way the support will reach the intended recipient more quickly and efficiently.
For now the greatest need is for “Green” security corridors for transporting war zone casualties. They are not yet established, and the world community must demand this from Russia as a universally acknowledged protocol.
Both Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister E.Meilūnas, and National Defence Deputy Minister Ž. Tomkus noted that continuing political pressure via demonstrations at Russian embassies in the diaspora is essential, especially in countries with a substantial Ukrainian population, for example, in Canada. Writing to government representatives to ask for a No Fly Zone over Ukraine is paramount, as is signing the petition of 10 million to demand that Putin be tried for war crimes. These signatures must come not only from Lithuania, but from countries far from Ukraine, because the opinion of the world is very important. At Canada’s initiative, the International Criminal Court has already begun registering Putin’s war crimes, and the world must support this action.
All speakers emphasized the need to refrain from engaging in small-scale initiatives which dilute the effect of central fundraising campaigns coordinated with Ukrainian embassies and the reqirements of the Ukrainian armed forces. Information about the main campaigns are available on their websites and Facebok pages. For example, Ukrainian soldiers need high-end satellite phones, for which a particular Lithuanian community could undertake funding. The American Lithuanian Community has already responded to one request and purchased 1000 Elon Musk StarLink stations. D. Matvejeva noted that providing funding for fuel is equally important. Commercial organizations are advised to contact the Lithuanian Red Cross, which can direct funds to the areas of greatest need.
Humanitarian aid for victims of the war is also extremely important. Kristina Meidė reported that as of the date of the meeting, 300 refugees have been welcomed to Lithuania and given care. Some are staying with relatives or friends, their children are accepted to local schools. Lithuania is ready to provide asylum for others, as well.
