Russian official slams Lithuanian president as “stupid head” Over Kaliningrad remarks

Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, has sharply criticized Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, calling him a “stupid head” for his comments regarding Kaliningrad.

Zakharova took to her Telegram channel to respond to Nauseda’s recent remarks, in which he referred to Kaliningrad as part of “Little Lithuania,” Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

In her response, Zakharova denounced Nauseda’s statement as “historical fantasies,” urging Lithuanian politicians to better understand history and focus on more pressing domestic issues.

“And here we go again. Another stupid head went to the microphone with historical fantasies. I recommend modern Lithuanian politicians to learn history and to be concerned about the observance of human rights in their country, as well as to pile on the failing ‘national’ economy,” Zakharova stated.

Nauseda’s comments were in reaction to the renaming of the Kristijonas Donelaitis Memorial Museum in Chistye Prudy, Russia. The Lithuanian president expressed disapproval of the decision and argued that Lithuania should preserve the cultural heritage of its people in the Russian region. He further insisted that Kaliningrad, formerly known as Königsberg, would never become "Karalyauchus," a name linked to Lithuanian heritage.

In her response, Zakharova reminded the Lithuanian president of the historical reality, pointing out that Lithuania's capital is Vilnius, not Vilna or Kaunas, due to Soviet-era changes under Joseph Stalin. She also highlighted the renaming of the Lithuanian port from Memel to Klaipeda, which she credited to the efforts of the Red Army in 1945. Zakharova implied that Lithuania’s historical “gifts” from the Soviet Union are not appreciated by the country’s current leadership, particularly those who continue to harbor resentment toward Moscow.

“There is something to do if they care so much about their identity, of which for a couple of decades of ‘independence’ there is almost nothing left,” Zakharova added, criticizing the diminishing national identity of Lithuania since its independence.

Zakharova’s comments follow a statement from the Lithuanian president, in which he suggested that Russia had not been significantly impacted by international sanctions. The exchange reflects ongoing tensions between the two nations, particularly over issues of historical memory and national identity.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized Lithuania, describing it as an "unfriendly" and "hostile" state following remarks by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, regarding Kaliningrad.

Peskov emphasized that Nauseda’s statement, in which he referred to Kaliningrad as part of "Little Lithuania," indicates territorial claims on Russian land, further escalating tensions between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters, Peskov said, "Lithuania is an unfriendly state for our country, a state hostile to us, which, including, as it turns out, has territorial claims. This justifies our deep concerns and all current and future measures to ensure the security of our state."

By Vafa Guliyeva