Lithuanian FM condemns Russia's Oreshnik missile strike on Ukraine

VILNIUS – Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys on Friday condemned Russia's use of an Oreshnik ballistic missile against gas storage facilities in Ukraine's Lviv region, calling it a "cynical spit in the face" of efforts to achieve peace.

"The use of an Oreshnik ballistic missile against gas storage in the Lviv region is nothing else but a cynical spit in the faces of everyone who seeks peace," Budrys wrote on X.

"Are we going to let it go unnoticed, or will we make Russia feel the consequences?" he added.

The minister said that while Ukraine, the United States and European countries are making every effort to end Russia's war of aggression and secure a just and lasting peace, Moscow is spreading false claims about an alleged attack on the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and launching dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones at Ukrainian cities and civilians.

He said it was time to take serious steps to strengthen military support for Ukraine, provide firm security guarantees, tighten sanctions on Russia and ensure its full isolation in international forums.

Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine's capital on Friday, causing fires in apartment buildings and killing at least four people.

The Oreshnik missile strike targeted infrastructure facilities in the western city of Lviv, close to the border with EU and NATO member Poland.

Following the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the international community to take action.