In early 1990, candidates supported by the Sąjūdis movement secured victory in Lithuania's parliamentary elections. On March 11, 1990, the Supreme Soviet of the Lithuanian SSR proclaimed the Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania, making Lithuania the first Soviet republic to declare independence. Vytautas Landsbergis, a leader of Sąjūdis, became the head of state, and Kazimira Prunskienė led the Cabinet of Ministers. The newly-formed government passed provisional laws to establish the legal framework of the state.
Soviet Sanctions and Resistance
The Soviet Union immediately opposed Lithuania’s declaration of independence. On March 15, 1990, Moscow demanded the revocation of independence, and by April 18, it imposed an economic blockade on Lithuania, lasting until the end of June. During this period, the Soviets used military force to take over several public buildings, though widespread violence was initially avoided.
However, tensions escalated during the January 1991 Events, when the Soviets attempted to overthrow Lithuania’s elected government. On January 13, 1991, Soviet forces attacked the Vilnius TV Tower, killing 14 unarmed civilians and injuring 140 others. The Lithuanian Parliament managed to stay in contact with the outside world using amateur radio operators, who relayed real-time updates during the Soviet assault. The National Salvation Committee, a Soviet-backed entity, failed to overthrow the government, allowing Lithuanian officials to continue governing.
Referendum and International Recognition
On February 9, 1991, Lithuania held a national referendum where over 90% of participants voted in favor of independence. Amid the August 1991 coup attempt in the Soviet Union, Soviet troops seized government facilities in Lithuania but withdrew following the coup’s collapse. After this failure, Lithuania’s government banned the Communist Party and confiscated its property.
On September 6, 1991, the international community formally recognized Lithuania's independence, and the country was admitted to the United Nations on September 17, 1991. This marked the culmination of Lithuania’s peaceful and determined struggle for sovereignty, solidifying its place as an independent, democratic state.