Analyse
As Lithuania's president (2009–2019), Grybauskaitė consistently opposed any geopolitical division of influence, especially regarding Russia's actions in Ukraine and the Baltic region. Her 2018 remarks align with Lithuania's NATO/EU commitments and its historical resistance to Soviet-era dominance. No evidence suggests she or Lithuania ever endorsed such a concept.
Achtergrond
Lithuania, a NATO and EU member since 2004, has been vocal about sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea. The term 'spheres of influence' implies great-power control over smaller states, which Lithuania rejects as a violation of international law.
Samenvatting verdict
Dalia Grybauskaitė's statement accurately reflects Lithuania's official stance against spheres of influence.