Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kęstutis Budrys has expressed serious concern over the potential recognition by the United States of Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
In an interview with Lithuanian media, Budrys emphasized that such a move would undermine the international legal order and serve as encouragement for aggressors to maintain control over occupied territories.
“There can be no talk of recognizing Russia’s annexation of Crimea — it’s dangerous because it sends a message that if you occupy a territory and hold onto it for a few years, you can then claim legal ownership,” warned Minister Budrys.
Addressing media reports of possible negotiations between the U.S. and Russia to end the war in Ukraine, the Lithuanian minister stated that the situation remains unclear. What concerns Budrys most are speculations that President Donald Trump’s administration might consider recognizing Russia’s claims to Crimea, which was annexed in 2014. He described such intentions as “deliberations outside the framework of international law.”
“By undermining the principles of international law and calling into question the status of Crimea, we are opening the gates of hell, unleashing demons no one will be able to control,” said Minister Budrys, stressing that such actions could severely weaken the United States’ authority on the international stage and its ability to shape global norms.
Earlier reports suggested that President Trump’s administration had presented Ukraine with a one-page document in Paris — labeled a “final” peace proposal — in which the U.S. would be prepared to recognize Russia’s control over Crimea and ease sanctions against Moscow.