“This question is completely clear to me. So I will do that in the near future. I think that people who want to carry the light of culture and goodness in the shoes of an aggressor should continue to do so without the citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania“, G. Nausėda told reporters on Thursday, when asked if he would destroy this citizenship.
The ice dancer herself said in a public letter released this week that she does not participate in Russian propaganda, but instead spreads “the light of culture and goodness.”
It is proposed to revoke her citizenship due to the ice dancer’s public support for Russia. The chairman of the commission, Pranas Žukauskas, said that the decision of the commission was determined not by the directly expressed or unexpressed position, but by the athlete’s actions.
“I think that today the merits that may have been appreciated seem like a sad parody, looking at what was and what is today,” said G. Nausėda in turn. – We have to choose sides, especially at this time, we have to choose sides and we cannot pretend that some things exist without others, especially when that culture or its appearance is created in a state that sheds the blood of innocent people. We must be principled and adhere to those values that we have adhered to since the first days of the war in Ukraine and we will adhere to them.”
As an exception, the citizenship granted to the athlete 30 years ago is revoked in accordance with the amendments to the law that came into effect this year, allowing this to be done if a person publicly expresses support for a state that poses a threat to the security interests of Lithuania or its allies.
Lithuanian authorities claim that M. Drobiazko maintains close professional and personal ties with Tatiana Navka, the wife of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov.
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#Nausėda #promises #revoke #Drobiazkos #citizenship #future
**Interview with G. Nausėda on Citizenship Revocation for Cultural Figures**
**Editor:** We have the pleasure of speaking today with Gitanas Nausėda, the President of Lithuania. Recent comments from you regarding the potential revocation of citizenship for cultural figures, especially in light of their ties to Russia, have garnered significant attention. Can you elaborate on your position?
**Nausėda:** Thank you for having me. In light of recent events and the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is crucial for us to uphold our values. When it comes to individuals who carry the banner of culture while supporting an aggressor, we must reevaluate their connection to our nation. It is clear to me that if one promotes the light of culture while being aligned with Russia, they should not carry the citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania.
**Editor:** Your statement touches on a broader debate about the role of culture in times of conflict. One ice dancer specifically expressed that they only aim to spread cultural goodwill. How do you respond to that?
**Nausėda:** While I appreciate the intent to promote culture and goodness, we cannot ignore the context in which this is happening. It is fundamentally important to choose sides. Supporting culture in a state that is causing immense suffering is contradictory. We need to be principled and transparent about our values, especially during these times.
**Editor:** Pranas Žukauskas, the chairman of the commission, stated that the decision to potentially revoke citizenship was based on actions rather than stated beliefs. How do you assess the actions of cultural figures in relation to their country’s position?
**Nausėda:** Actions speak louder than words. We have seen cultural figures who publicly support Russia. Their actions are a reflection of their values and beliefs. We must prioritize our collective identity and stand firmly against any support for regimes that inflict violence on innocent people. The merits of past achievements should not overshadow our commitment to justice and peace.
**Editor:** Many might wonder how these actions affect Lithuania’s diplomatic relations and cultural exchanges. What is your take on this?
**Nausėda:** Navigating these waters is indeed complex. However, we must remain steadfast in our principles. Diplomatic relations and cultural exchanges are important, but not at the cost of our values. We need to build partnerships with those who share our beliefs in freedom and respect for human rights.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, President Nausėda. As Lithuania continues to face these challenges, we appreciate your commitment to upholding the nation’s values.
**Nausėda:** Thank you for the conversation. It’s essential that we continue to discuss these important issues as we navigate this complex landscape together.