Address by Juozas Olekas, Speaker of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, at the Second Bucha Summit

March 31, 2026

Dear Ruslan, dear colleagues, dear people of Ukraine,

The tragedy of Bucha is a deep and painful scar for all of us – and especially for you. Here, in the heart of Europe, just four years ago, innocent people were killed, tortured, and humiliated. This is not only Ukraine’s pain. It is a test of Europe’s conscience.

But remembering alone is not enough. It is not enough to say that Bucha will become a page in history books. Justice cannot remain only in words. If war crimes go unpunished, if abducted Ukrainian children are not returned home, if those responsible walk free – Europe will lose its faith in justice.

In Lithuania, we understand this not from books. We know it from our own history. Fifty years of occupation – and justice that never came. That is why today we speak not only out of solidarity, but from experience.

Our duty is not only to remember, but to act. We must ensure that the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine becomes a reality. That those who made the decisions to kill and destroy are held accountable. Not symbolically – but in real terms.

A particularly painful issue is the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. This is not only a war crime. It is an attempt to steal Ukraine’s future. Through the initiative “Children First: Protecting Ukraine’s Future,” Lithuania is working to help – to rebuild care centres, establish rehabilitation services, and support foster families. But above all – to bring the children back home.

The best way to honor those who lost their lives in Bucha is to build Ukraine’s future. Free. Strong. Victorious.

That is why support for Ukraine must not weaken. Not today. Not tomorrow. Even when the world’s attention shifts elsewhere. Ukraine is not “just another issue.” Ukraine is a question of Europe’s future.

We have no right to grow tired. We have no right to become frustrated. Ukraine is far too important to be traded for short-sighted interests.

As Lithuania prepares for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2027, we state clearly – enlargement will be our priority. Ukraine’s accession to the European Union is not only a political goal. It is a strategic necessity for Europe’s security. And we will do everything to make this path faster and clearer.

But a just peace will not come on its own. It will not be given. It must be secured and reinforced by decisions.

We must help Ukraine withstand pressure to concede its territory. We must once again clearly state: we will never recognize the occupation and annexation of Ukrainian territory.

We must take decisions that strengthen Ukraine – long-term financing, military support, and the swift approval of the Ukraine Support Loan. This must send a clear message to the aggressor: Ukraine is growing stronger. And Europe stands with it.

Pressure on Russia must increase, not decrease. Sanctions must not only be maintained, but strengthened. Accountability for war crimes must be ensured. Diplomatic isolation must continue. And we must find solutions on how to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction.

If we want to avoid another wave of aggression in the coming years, there can be no return to “business as usual.”

Lithuania will continue to stand with you – not only in words, but in action. During winter months, Lithuania continued providing urgent support to Ukraine's damaged energy sector, including supplying gas from Klaipėda LNG terminal. Main Lithuanian energy companies are providing transformers, generators, solar modules, high voltage equipment. Looking ahead it is important to strengthen Ukraine’s energy sector resilience by de-centralisation of the system and increase of green generation.

And we know – the true goal is not only to rebuild. The true goal is to create a stronger, more modern Ukraine, fully integrated into European infrastructure and systems.

Our own experience shows – this path is not easy. It is long. It is costly. But it leads to security, stability, and the future.

And today, the most important message is simple:

You are not alone.

And you will not be alone.

Ukraine’s fight is our fight.

And Ukraine’s victory will be Europe’s victory.