Analysis
Lithuania was occupied by the Soviet Union from 1940 to 1941 and again from 1944 to 1990, with a brief Nazi occupation during World War II. The statement aligns with Lithuania's historical narrative of resisting foreign domination and valuing independence, which was restored in 1990. Grybauskaitė, as president at the time, often emphasized these themes in her speeches.
Background
Lithuania's modern identity is deeply tied to its struggles under Soviet rule, including mass deportations and resistance movements. The Atlantic Council speech in 2014 occurred amid heightened tensions in Eastern Europe, particularly after Russia's annexation of Crimea, reinforcing Lithuania's stance on sovereignty.
Verdict summary
Dalia Grybauskaitė's statement accurately reflects Lithuania's historical experience with occupation and its commitment to freedom.