Russia may launch major attack on Ukraine at Easter, Lithuania warns

He made this statement in an interview with Lithuanian media, quoted by LRT.

Budris called the Russian attack on Sumy "barbaric," resulting in at least 35 deaths, and stated he has no doubt Moscow may carry out an even more brutal attack during the upcoming Easter holidays.

At the same time, according to the Lithuanian foreign minister, such actions by the Kremlin could become a new starting point for increasing Western pressure on Russia.

"This week is Holy Week, we’ll reach Easter — I have no doubt they will do something even worse on Easter. Perhaps this will be the turning point when we say: alright, look, we need to strengthen sanctions," he said.

According to the politician, the tragedy in Sumy became a catalyst for European Union countries to take more decisive actions, both in terms of new economic sanctions against the Kremlin and additional support for Ukraine.

However, the minister noted that it remains uncertain whether this momentum will translate into real political decisions.

In addition, he emphasized that if Europe fails to make significant progress on these issues, and resistance from certain countries blocks decision-making, the community will lose its role as a geopolitical player.

"If we don't open negotiation blocks with Ukraine this semester, if we retreat on sanctions, then we can no longer talk about the geopolitical subjectivity of the European Union, nor can we say we have any influence in the world," he added.

• On the morning of Sunday, April 13, Russian troops launched a missile strike on the city of Sumy, killing and injuring dozens of civilians, including children.