The exchanged Russian oppositionists called for a decrease in sanction pressure on ordinary Russian citizens, proposing to focus on restrictions on Russian authorities and orders. However, these statements met a sharp reaction from the Foreign Minister of Lithuania Gabrielus Landsbergis.
In his post on the social network X, Landsbergis answered the idea that ordinary Russians should not be subject to sanctions. "I hear about the innocence of ordinary Russians, but then I see these 'innocent' people kill Ukrainians. I watch ordinary Russian mothers lead their sons to war related to war crimes," Landsbergis wrote.
The minister also cited examples where Russians celebrate the killings of Ukrainians, put on children in military uniform and draw a symbol of aggression - the letter Z on cardboard tanks. He drew attention to how the Russians organize support actions, creating columns in the form of a letter Z in urban areas.
Landsbergis emphasized that "ordinary Russia" needs serious changes, and this process will be long and exhausting. "It will only begin when Russia, not just Putin, will be defeated. Without defeat in Ukraine, Russia will continue to expand," he said.
The Lithuanian Foreign Minister stressed that sanctions against ordinary Russians are necessary, since any measures that slow down the military machine of Russia are supported by Lithuanians and bring Ukraine's victory.
