RUSSIA vs. LITHUANIA – In the middle of political intentions between Russian and Lithuanian government, seems to have been the famous Russian superstar Philipp Kirkorov.

The reason: Lithuanian government remembered the issue of Crimea after 7 years and implemented banning for him entering the country for the next five years.

HOW IT ALL STARTED?

European Union member Lithuania said on Sunday it will ask the European Union to swiftly impose new sanctions on Russia in response to the arrest of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Police detained Navalny on arrival at a Moscow airport on Sunday after he flew home to Russia from Germany for the first time since he was poisoned last summer.

“We urge Russia to immediately release Navalny and to arraign those responsible for the attempt on his life,” Lithuanian foreign affairs minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said in a statement.

The Lithuanian statement, sent to Reuters, said Navalny’s arrest was in violation of human rights principles as set by the European Council.

EFFORT FOR PEACE TALKS?

In November 2020, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed Moscow was ready to cooperate with Lithuania based on “principles of mutual respect.” But did Putin signal any tangible intentions, or was it just empty rhetoric?

During the accreditation ceremony of new foreign ambassadors to Russia, including Eitvydas Bajarūnas from Lithuania, Putin said, “our interaction with Lithuania could be more active and multifaceted.”

“We stand ready for cooperation based on principles of neighbourliness and respect to each other and would like to see the same approach by our Lithuanian counterparts,” the Russian president was quoted by the Interfax News Agency.

But his words were aimed at criticising Lithuania, according to Laurynas Jonavičius, a professor at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science (TSPMI) at Vilnius University.

EUROVISION WISE

Looking into a Eurovision angle of the issue, Lithuania could create a problem for the future Eurovision plans fo Russia. Kirkorov is known to be involved annually with the Russian delegation and its entry. Lithuania is considered already a favourite (for some, although we definitely doubt) with THE ROOP heading to Rotterdam, despite the national selection (and we all know it).

What if Vilnius hosts Eurovision 2022? How Kikrorov will enter the country and work as an artist and member of delegation while banned due to stupid politics?

Lithuania should seriously make some drastic adjustments on their foreign policy and realise that banning Kirkorov will not stop Putin from implementing his policies and we all know it!