President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with a delegation from the Lithuanian Seimas led by Speaker Saulius Skvernelis, who visited Ukraine for the first time since his election to the position.
“We are very grateful to the entire Lithuanian people for your support since the very beginning of the war. We are grateful to your government and President Gitanas Nausėda,” the Head of State remarked.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Lithuania’s assistance, which has exceeded €1.5 billion, half of which is defense support. Strengthening Ukraine’s position on the battlefield is crucial on the path to achieving a just and lasting peace.
Lithuania allocates at least 0.25% of its GDP annually to Ukraine’s security and defense needs. Recently, it provided 4,500 FPV drones, purchased from Lithuanian manufacturers as part of the Drone Coalition initiative. Lithuania is also an active participant in coalitions for demining, strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, and artillery support.
During the meeting, discussions focused on continuing support for Ukraine, preparing a new EU sanctions package, enhancing military-technical cooperation, and joint projects in the defense-industrial sector.
President Zelenskyy specifically highlighted Lithuania’s leadership in advocating for Ukraine’s path to EU and NATO membership.
“We are glad that on this challenging path to NATO membership – with all its difficulties – the Lithuanian people and Lithuania are always with us,” he said.
Saulius Skvernelis emphasized that Lithuania and its parliament remain committed to providing Ukraine with defense and humanitarian support, rehabilitating Ukrainian soldiers, and rebuilding infrastructure destroyed or damaged by Russian aggression.
“We understand peace as the complete liberation of Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, the punishment of the dictator for war crimes, holding him legally and financially accountable, and Ukraine’s full-fledged membership in NATO and the EU,” the Speaker stated.