The scandal surrounding Lithuanian opposition MPs’ accusations against the country’s foreign minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, has been gaining momentum in recent weeks. The allegations stem from reports that, in February 2022, just before the fighting between Moscow and Kiev broke out, Landsbergis’ wife made an advance payment of €250,000 ($273,000) on a luxury villa on a Greek island. The opposition MPs argue that this suggests Landsbergis was preparing to flee the country in anticipation of potential conflict spillover from Russia and Ukraine.
The property in question includes a 313 square-meter house with two terraces and a 23 square-meter guest house, which is reportedly hidden from prying eyes behind a tall fence. The villa bears both Lithuanian and Greek flags on its grounds. Opposition MP Agnes Sirinskiene told Delfi that the timing of the purchase was suspicious, especially given that war in Ukraine seemed inevitable at that point.
Landsbergis has not yet commented on the accusations as he is currently on vacation and is expected to return to work only in September. In the meantime, the news outlet Respublika has reported that opposition MPs are preparing a series of questions for the foreign minister that will be asked at the next plenary session of the Lithuanian parliament.
Landsbergis, who has been one of the most vocal supporters of Ukraine, has repeatedly claimed that Russia could attack another European country if it were allowed to win in Ukraine. He has also called for regime change in Moscow and has urged NATO to give the Ukrainian military “everything we have.” These comments have drawn criticism from Russia, with Moscow placing personal sanctions on Landsbergis and threatening him with criminal liability for his calls to overthrow the Russian government.
Landsbergis’ wife’s alleged purchase of a luxury villa in Greece just before the conflict between Russia and Ukraine broke out raises questions about the foreign minister’s intentions and actions during this tumultuous time. The opposition MPs are seeking answers from Landsbergis regarding his family’s property acquisition, particularly given his prominent role in supporting Ukraine and criticizing Russia. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Landsbergis will address these allegations upon his return to work in September.