Minister of Justice R. Tamašunienė: Ukraine has promised to enforce the verdicts in the 13 January case
The Minister of Justice, Rita Tamašunienė, visited Kyiv from 10 to 13 September, where, together with the Latvian Minister of Justice, Edvards Smiltēns, she met with the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Serhiy Koretskyi, and the Ukrainian Minister of Justice, Denys Maslov.
In her talks with Prime Minister S. Koretskyi, the Minister of Justice emphasised the importance of joint European Union sanctions in the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine, whilst in her conversation with Minister of Justice D. Maslov, R. Tamašunienė emphasised that she expects solidarity from Ukraine regarding the legal aspects of the events of 13 January.
“The events of 13 January, which are of particular importance to Lithuania, are not subject to a statute of limitations; therefore, Ukraine’s commitment to implementing the decisions of the Lithuanian courts in the 13 January cases is important to us,” emphasised R. Tamašunienė. Representatives of the Ukrainian Ministry of Justice stressed that the documents received from Lithuania had been forwarded to the court and that the rulings would be enforced.
The ministers also discussed Ukraine’s path towards European integration. The minister emphasised that Ukraine’s membership of the European Union is a matter of security and stability not only for Ukraine but for the whole of Europe. Lithuania supports Ukraine’s reform agenda and its aspiration to become an EU member, and, whilst holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027, intends to devote significant attention to EU enlargement. Lithuania is also prepared to share its experience with Ukraine in implementing reforms.
Lithuania calls for the establishment of the Special Tribunal to be expedited
During the meetings, considerable attention was paid to the issue of establishing the Special Tribunal on Russia’s crime of aggression against Ukraine.
Lithuania is one of the most active participants in the process of establishing this mechanism and urges states to complete the national procedures necessary for the Special Tribunal’s governance mechanism to come into force as soon as possible.
The mechanism for compensating Ukraine for the damage caused and the International Commission for the Examination of Claims concerning Ukraine were also discussed. Lithuania has already ratified the relevant convention and urges other states to do the same.
According to R. Tamašunienė, the aggressor’s accountability and compensation for damages must be integral parts of the justice system.
Representatives from Lithuania and Ukraine also discussed the role of international legal institutions in ensuring accountability for Russia’s aggression.
Lithuania is actively involved in international legal proceedings – it was the first country to refer Russia’s alleged crimes in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court, and is also participating in cases against Russia at the International Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights.
Met with representatives of the Ukrainian judiciary and parliament
During the visit, the Minister of Justice also met with Oksana Kondratiuk, Deputy Speaker of the Ukrainian Rada, with whom she discussed the prospects for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. She also met with representatives of the court administration. The meeting focused on how the continuity of court operations is ensured in wartime, the preparedness of institutions for crises, and access to justice.
Focus on Ukrainian children affected by the war
Ms Tamašunienė attended the opening of the ‘Save Ukraine’ PANDA centre. The centre is designed for children and families returning from occupation or deportation, and provides psychological, social and reintegration support.
‘Save Ukraine’ is led by Mykola Kuleba, the former Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights in Ukraine. The organisation runs programmes for the return, rehabilitation and reintegration of children.
During her visit, the Minister also paid tribute to the memory of Ukrainian justice system staff who lost their lives in Russia’s war against Ukraine by laying flowers at their memorial.
YES Conference – on Ukraine’s future in the European Union
During her visit, R. Tamašunienė took part in the YES Conference, which focused primarily on Ukraine’s future, European security, reforms and the country’s integration into the European Union.
The Minister also took part in a discussion on the fight against corruption, emphasising that transparent and resilient institutions are one of the most important prerequisites for Ukraine to implement reforms and pursue EU membership.
Last updated: 14-09-2026