Bookstore in Vilnius sells atlases showing parts of Ukrainian territories as part of Russia: Ukrainian Embassy responds. PHOTO
The Knygų pasaulis bookstore chain in Vilnius sells atlases with maps showing part of Ukraine as part of the borders of the aggressor country, Russia.
This was reported by LRT, Censor.NET informs.
It is noted that the aforementioned bookstore sells exclusively products published in Russia.
Among the various books here are new world atlases published in Moscow. On the same shelf as the Constitution of Lithuania and a tourist guide to Vilnius, there are at least three atlases that show Ukraine's territory in violation of internationally recognised borders.
The store claims that there is a demand for misleading Russian atlases, and that the law does not prohibit their distribution.
According to the newspaper, Russia uses gaps in Lithuanian laws to find the slightest opportunity to spread military propaganda.
Reaction of the Embassy of Ukraine
The Embassy of Ukraine in Lithuania responded to the situation.
The Ukrainian diplomatic mission issued a statement expressing deep concern over the sale of propaganda literature in bookstores.
"The sale of such products is not only a violation of the fundamental principles of international law, but also contributes to the legitimisation of Russia's criminal military aggression against Ukraine, spreading disinformation and misleading consumers. This undermines the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty, which are fundamental to the international order and are consistently supported by the Republic of Lithuania and the democratic world community," the embassy said.
The embassy also stated that it was taking all necessary measures to stop the sale of these products and prevent the supply of other materials containing distorted information about the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
"We express our sincere gratitude to the leadership of the Republic of Lithuania and civil society for their principled and clear position and active actions aimed at combating the spread of disinformation and Russian propaganda," the diplomatic mission added.
