Latest news with #KęstutisBudrys
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Ukrainian President Moves to Withdraw From Ottawa Convention: What to Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday signed a decree to withdraw the country from the Ottawa Convention, an international treaty that bans the use and stockpiling of antipersonnel landmines, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) confirmed on Sunday. The decree comes after more than three years since Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. When asked for additional comment on Sunday morning, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred Newsweek to its website post. Why It Matters Antipersonnel mines are designed to use against humans rather than tanks or military vehicles and cannot distinguish between civilians and combatants. As they are hidden and often scattered, the mines often maim or kill civilians long after fighting has ended. The announcement comes the same day as North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries scrambled fighter jets, according to the Polish military, after a Ukrainian official said Moscow had launched its largest-scale air attack on the country in more than three years. In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of its Eastern European neighbor, with the conflict resulting in significant loss of life, international sanctions on Moscow, and a protracted humanitarian crisis. Russia previously annexed Crimea in 2014. What To Know Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted a statement on its official website that said "Ukraine has made the difficult but necessary political decision to stop the implementation of irrelevant obligations under the Ottawa Convention." The ministry's post continued stating that Russia's "armed aggression" has made Ukraine, and other nearby countries "reassess their positions and adopt a joint political decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention." In March, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland announced their intention to withdraw from the treaty, while Finland's parliament voted to do so in June. On Friday, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kęstutis Budrys, confirmed in an X, formerly Twitter, post that the country has "formally notified the UN Secretary-General of its withdrawal from the Mine Ban Treaty." Ukraine's statement and move to withdraw came just hours after Ukrainian authorities said Russia had launched 477 drones and decoys, as well as 60 missiles of various types, at Kyiv overnight. The country's air force said it had shot down 211 drones with another 225 straying before hitting their targets. Air defenses intercepted one of the short-range ballistic missiles, four of the Kalibr cruise missiles and 33 Kh-101 missiles, according to the military. The attacks into Sunday were the largest airstrikes on Ukraine of more than three years of full-scale war in the country in terms of number of incoming threats, Colonel Yuriy Ignat, an official with Ukraine's Air Force, confirmed to Newsweek. A residential building after a Russian drone attack in Odesa on June 28 amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A residential building after a Russian drone attack in Odesa on June 28 amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. OLEKSANDR GIMANOV/AFP via Getty Images What Is the Ottawa Convention? The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, better known as the Ottawa Convention or Mine Ban Treaty, went into effect in 1999. More than 160 countries had signed onto the treaty over the years, with Ukraine having ratified it in 2005. Neither Russia nor the United States is a party to the treaty. What People Are Saying Russia's Defense Ministry said in a June 29 statement on Telegram: "At night, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation delivered a mass strike by air-, ground-, and sea-based long-range precision weaponry, the Kindzhal hypersonic aero-ballistic missile system as well as unmanned aerial vehicles at Ukrainian defense industry and oi-refining enterprises." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote in an X, formerly Twitter, post on June 29: "Almost all night long, air raid alerts sounded across Ukraine — 477 drones were in our skies, most of them Russian-Iranian Shaheds, along with 60 missiles of various types. The Russians were targeting everything that sustains life. A residential building in Smila was also hit, and a child was injured. Emergency services are responding wherever they're needed." Roman Kostenko, the People's Deputy of Ukraine, wrote in a Sunday Facebook post, "This is a step that the reality of war has long demanded. Russia is not a side of this convention and massively applies mines against our military and civilian. We cannot stay bound when the enemy has no limitations." What Happens Next Zelensky's signature to withdraw now advances the measure to the Ukrainian parliament, which will vote on the matter. If approved, then the country must notify the United Nations.
See - Sada Elbalad
a day ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Lithuania Withdraws from Landmine Ban Treaty
Israa Farhan Lithuania has formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty, which bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. The announcement marks a significant shift in regional defense policy amid rising security concerns in Eastern Europe. According to Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, the decision was driven by what he described as the growing existential threat posed by Russia. He stated that Lithuania views Moscow as the primary long-term danger to European security, prompting the need for expanded defensive capabilities. The move follows similar signals from neighboring countries. Poland's lower house of parliament recently approved legislation to withdraw from the treaty, with Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz calling the move essential for regional security. He emphasized that the current geopolitical landscape requires all available deterrent measures to ensure national defense. Reports also indicate that Poland, Finland, and the Baltic states are already constructing fortified defensive lines along their borders using anti-personnel mines. Analysts have described this effort as reminiscent of a 'new Iron Curtain,' designed to counter potential aggression from Russia. On March 18, the defense ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland issued a joint recommendation urging their governments to exit the Ottawa Convention. Finland later joined this initiative, reflecting a growing consensus among NATO's eastern flank countries on the need for greater military preparedness. The Ottawa Treaty, which entered into force in 1999, has been signed by 164 nations, including Ukraine. The treaty prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines due to their long-term humanitarian impact. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, these weapons continue to kill and maim civilians for years after hostilities end, posing a persistent threat in post-conflict regions. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lithuanian foreign minister comments on his journey to Kyiv during Russian attack: "Shower of missiles and drones"
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, who arrived in Kyiv on Monday 9 June for an official visit, has shared that he had travelled to the Ukrainian capital through a "shower of missiles and drones" launched by Russia. Source: Budrys on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Budrys noted that Russia has recently intensified its strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Quote: "This morning, our train had to pass through the shower of missiles and drones striking the cities of Rivne and Dubno. Just days ago, a strike on Kharkiv killed and injured dozens, including children." Details: He emphasised that these are "deliberate acts of terror aimed at breaking Ukraine's will". Quote: "But Ukraine stands firm, defending not just its territory, but the principles of freedom and democracy in Europe. In fact, Ukraine is defending Europe. Peace will not come through appeasement. The world must stay united in supporting Ukraine – militarily, economically and politically." Background: Budrys is scheduled to hold a number of meetings in Kyiv, including with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha and Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna. Russia launched a total of 499 drones and missiles on Ukraine on the night of 8-9 June, of which 479 were downed by air defence systems. Rivne Oblast came under particularly heavy attack. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lithuanian foreign minister arrives in Kyiv to discuss frontline situation and pressure on Russia
Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys arrived in Kyiv on Monday 9 June for a working visit during which he will hold several meetings. Source: Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by European Pravda Details: During the visit, Budrys is set to meet his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna, Strategic Industries Minister Herman Smetanin and National Security and Defence Council Secretary Oleksandr Lytvynenko. Meetings with Head of the Office of the President Andrii Yermak and Defence Minister Rustem Umierov are also planned. "The minister will discuss the frontline situation, international efforts aimed at forcing Russia to cease fire and declare a truce as a prerequisite for peace negotiations," the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry stated. Budrys also plans to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine, priorities in military, diplomatic, financial and humanitarian support, Ukraine's progress in EU integration and measures to deter and counter Russia. This is Budrys's third visit to Ukraine since assuming the post of foreign minister. His most recent visit took place on 1 April 2025. Background: In May, Budrys called on the EU to begin work on a new package of sanctions against Russia that would be truly effective. He also stated that Russia has no right to impose its terms concerning Ukraine's future. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Lithuania does not expect significant results from Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys believes that the second round of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine will be unlikely to result in significant achievements. Source: European Pravda; LRT, a Lithuanian public broadcaster "It depends on the intentions and mood of the Russian delegation [at the talks - ed.]. If they are the same as last time, we know how it all ended. There was no real desire to negotiate and therefore no significant results related to the ceasefire. This will likely also be the case this time," the Lithuanian foreign minister said on Friday during a visit to Madrid. Budrys said striving for a ceasefire to be implemented "unconditionally and immediately" is necessary. "Only alongside the ceasefire can normal, full-fledged negotiations on ending the aggression take place. Both the United States and Europe must participate in such negotiations. There must be some results. (...) What we see now is just an imitation. Will Monday show that it is not an imitation? Most likely not, and that is why Ukrainians need even more support," Budrys said. Background: Russia declared that it wants another round of Istanbul talks with Ukraine on Monday 2 June, where its delegation will present a "memorandum" outlining Russia's proposals regarding a ceasefire and an end to the war. Meanwhile, officials in Kyiv stated that to reach any outcomes during the talks, they must first read over the Russian "memorandum". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
