Maria Kalesnikava and her sister Tatsiana Khomich met with Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė. The meeting took place on February 3 in Vilnius.
Ruginienė welcomed Kalesnikava to freedom and said that Lithuania is ready to provide her with comprehensive assistance, according to the Lithuanian government’s press service.
The Lithuanian prime minister stressed that Lithuania is cooperating with U.S. President Trump’s special envoy John Coale on the issue of releasing Belarusian political prisoners.
“We are cooperating with U.S. President’s special envoy John Coale, whose diplomatic efforts are yielding tangible results — both in the release of political prisoners and in strengthening security in the region. These steps are particularly important for us, as they also contribute to enhancing Lithuania’s national security,” Ruginienė said.
Lithuania will continue to exert pressure to secure the release of Belarusian political prisoners, Ruginienė said. She also noted that Vilnius hears the voice of the Belarusian people and will continue to support Belarusian civil society and the democratic opposition.
The Lithuanian prime minister also stated that there is currently no possibility of thawing relations between Vilnius and Minsk.
