WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)
and Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chairs of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus,
yesterday met with members of the Lithuanian Parliament and Lithuanian
Ambassador to the U.S. Audra Plepyte to discuss President Biden’s newly
announced decision to move 3,000 troops to Germany, Poland and Romania to deter
Russian aggression aimed at Ukraine and the region. The senators heard from the
Lithuanian Parliament members about recent Russian cyberattacks against the
Baltic States to sow distrust in Eastern Europe against the U.S. and concerns
about the nearly 130,000 Russian troops built up near the Ukrainian border.
“Lithuanians
never gave up on freedom during 50 years of Soviet occupation, and the United
States continued to recognize the sovereignty of all three Baltic nations
during that time. During a period of renewed Russian aggression against
sovereign nations, their insights are particularly valuable. Our bipartisan
meeting shows that no domestic political disagreements will get in the way of
keeping our promises, and sends a strong unified signal about our unwavering
support for our NATO allies and the principles of self-determination in the
face of Russian aggression on the Ukrainian border,” Grassley said.
“This bipartisan
conversation with the Lithuanian Parliamentarians was especially important
following President Biden’s announcement that more U.S. troops will be deployed
to Eastern Europe. Time and time again, Lithuania has proved itself to be a
champion of freedom and democracy. Today, in the face of Russian aggression and
Chinese economic intimidation, is no different. As Co-Chair of the Senate
Baltic Freedom Caucus, I will continue to be an outspoken ally to the
Lithuanian people and the nation’s Baltic neighbors as they work to uphold
these values in an increasingly tense situation,” Durbin said.
During the meeting, the senators also
offered their support to Lithuania as the nation faces economic bullying from
the Chinese government for improving diplomatic ties with Taiwan. As a result
of Lithuania’s growing relationship with Taiwan, China has imposed an embargo
against Lithuania and recalled its ambassador.
This week, Grassley and Durbin introduced
a resolution to celebrate
100 years of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and the Baltic States,
expressing explicit support for Lithuania in the face of Russian aggression and
Chinese economic bullying.