Unknowns smear Lithuanian embassy in Moscow with red paint
Unknown individuals have vandalized the Lithuanian Embassy in Moscow by smearing it with red paint. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vilnius, the entrance of the Baltic EU and NATO country's representation was defaced by four masked persons on Monday morning. Video footage published online shows red handprints on the embassy sign and two larger paint splashes in front of the doors.
According to Lithuanian reports, Russian police officers guarding the building's exterior did not respond to the paint attack. It was also stated that the police only arrived half an hour later.
In response to the incident, Lithuania summoned a Russian Embassy official in Vilnius and handed over a protest note. The government in Vilnius urged Russia, citing the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, to take all necessary steps to ensure the protection and security of the embassy's premises. The vandalism must be investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable.
In April 2022, Lithuania reduced its diplomatic relations with Russia in response to Russia's military aggression against Ukraine and recalled its ambassador from Moscow to Vilnius.
The identity of the individuals responsible for the vandalism remains Unknown. Despite theır actions, Russia has yet to provide a clear explanation or take substantial measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
