„Although quite young, he understood how important the Ukrainian fight against Russia, against aggression, is. It may sound like banal words, but in reality – both Lithuanians and Ukrainians are fighting not only for their freedom, independence, but also for the freedom and independence of all Europe,“ said Lithuanian Armed Forces commander Raimundas Vaikšnoras to journalists.
„Igno’s sacrifice is not meaningless, it shows us how we must fight, we must make efforts, we must support Ukraine so that this war does not come to our doorstep,“ he added.
The memory of the deceased was honored in Vilnius by the highest Lithuanian officials. A flower arrangement was laid on behalf of the country’s leader Gitanas Nausėda.
„Ignas Kailius did not hesitate to choose a dangerous path – to join the fight for Ukraine’s freedom. It is the decision of a person who believes in the value of freedom and understands the responsibility to defend it. He clearly understood that today Ukraine is defending not only its state, but also the freedom and security of all Europe, including Lithuania,“ G. Nausėda was quoted as saying in a Presidential Office statement.
„Igno’s sacrifice, courage, and loyalty to values will forever remain in our memory as an example of citizenship, determination, and heroism,“ said the head of state.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius said in a statement that Lithuania lost a brave and freedom-loving young man who chose to fight where „freedom is defended with the greatest risk and highest price“.
„His life and sacrifice are a testimony of indifference and determination not to tolerate evil, a noble desire to defend those who were attacked. I sincerely sympathize with Ignas Kailius’s family, relatives, and comrades-in-arms,“ said the Prime Minister.
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After saying goodbye to the deceased in Vilnius, the urn with the remains will be taken to Vilkaviškis, where later on Sunday it will be laid out in the mortuary hall of the Cathedral of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
On Monday, a mass will be held in this church, followed by a solemn funeral procession to the Alvitas cemetery, where I. Kailius will be buried.
A few days ago, the 25-year-old volunteer was also honored in Kyiv.
I. Kailius joined the Ukrainian armed forces in February this year, serving as an assistant grenadier in an infantry unit. On June 2, he went on a combat mission, after which he was considered missing. Later, the volunteer’s death was confirmed.
At the beginning of June, „15min“ reported that the area where the Lithuanian was located was shelled by Russian occupation forces. Since then, there has been no news about him.
I. Kailius served in a unit mostly made up of volunteers from Brazil and Colombia. His comrade-in-arms Andre Aguiaras described Ignas as an exemplary, strong, and beloved soldier among comrades. According to him, the volunteer sought to stop Russian aggression in Ukraine so that it would not spread to other countries, especially Lithuania.
BNS wrote that two Lithuanians had previously died on the Ukrainian front – Tadas Tumas and Tomas Valentėlis.
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