British News Agency

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys reacted to the International Modern Pentathlon Union's (UIPM) decision to withdraw Lithuania's right to host a World Cup event.

In a statement posted on social media, Budrys argued that the decision punished Lithuania for refusing to ignore Russia's war against Ukraine. Describing the decision as "shameful," Budrys said it set a dangerous precedent and sent the wrong message.

Budrys stated that Lithuania had opposed, from the outset, the normalization of the participation in international sports of representatives of Russia and Belarus, which it considers aggressor states. He claimed that Russia was continuing its war against Ukraine while Belarus was supporting Russia in the process.

Budrys called on the European Union to tighten restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under their national flags and to expand visa bans and sanctions. He also called for an end to support for organizations that enable state-sponsored propaganda.

Emphasizing that Lithuania would never normalize aggression, Budrys stated that his country would stand by Ukraine not only when circumstances were favorable but also during difficult times.