Negotiating with Russia requires a strong stance, says the Defense Minister of Lithuania

Minister of Defense of the Republic of Lithuania Dovilė Šakalienė at a press conference. (Jörg Carstensen/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Lithuania, like some other European countries, is considering pulling out of the Ottawa Convention, a treaty that prohibits anti-personnel landmines.

One official stated, “This weapon is extremely harmful, similar to cluster munitions, and unfortunately, the Russians are using these weapons, even ones that are banned. We want to convey a strong message in response.”

Aside from Russia, both China and the United States have not signed the treaty. The United States had declared in 2014 its intention to adhere to the Ottawa Convention, except for the landmines in place on the Korean Peninsula.

Šakalienė, a deeply devout Christian, said Russia is not only attacking Ukraine, but the Christian faith as well.

“It was Soviet Russia that tried to annihilate the church in Ukraine, in Lithuania, in Poland. They have now sort of revived their Christianity and are using it for KGB infiltration, for FSB infiltration, she said. “This is a betrayal.”

She continued, “When we see how churches in Ukraine are being bombed, being robbed…the Christian community in Ukraine is being murdered and their beautiful heritage is being destroyed.”

The Lithuanian defense minister ended the interview with a final warning.

“We tend to try to diminish our enemies. This is a mistake. You have to see them for what they are.”