President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys, who is visiting Ukraine for the fifth time in this role.
“We never tire of repeating that we are grateful to your nation for being with us from the very beginning of Russian aggression and from the first days of the full-scale war. You stood with us before as well, and we are confident that after this war is over, the Ukrainian and Lithuanian peoples will rebuild Ukraine together,” the Head of State emphasized.
During the meeting, the parties discussed in detail regional security and potential common threats from Russia and Belarus, particularly, in the context of the recent Russian drone incursion into Poland. The President noted that Ukraine is ready to share its experience in countering Russian missiles and drones with partners.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kęstutis Budrys also focused on the need to strengthen sanctions policy. Ukraine and Lithuania share the same understanding: sanctions must be enforced against both Russia and Belarus as long as the aggression continues.
The Head of State thanked Lithuania for supporting all initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukraine. In particular, he noted Lithuania’s participation in the PURL initiative, which enables the procurement of scarce weapons in the United States, as well as its involvement in the SAFE instrument.
The two sides also paid special attention to opportunities for joint defense production and Lithuania’s potential participation in guaranteeing security for Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked Lithuania for opening the office of the Central Project Management Agency of Lithuania in Ukraine, which will coordinate projects on reconstruction, demining, education, and rehabilitation of the wounded.
Special emphasis was also placed on supporting Ukraine on its path toward membership in the European Union. In particular, the parties discussed the importance of jointly and simultaneously opening the first negotiating cluster for Ukraine and Moldova.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kęstutis Budrys also discussed preparations for the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Ukraine and Lithuania will work together to ensure that the issue of Russian aggression is properly represented on the agenda.