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We have to resource Ukraine's defence with russia's assets, says Minister of National Defence in Brussels

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-10-16
International cooperation | Minister's news | Security and defense policy

Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė attended the 31st Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting and the NATO-Ukraine Council today in Brussels. The sessions were centered on urgent aid initiatives for Ukraine and cooperation in the area of defence industry. Also, the Memorandum on formation and equipping of a new Ukrainian Brigade based in an OP-LEGIO training range was signed by the Baltic and Nordic countries and Poland.

"Ukraine has executed successful deep strikes on targets in russia. Such strikes put pressure on the aggressor's war logistics and impede it continued warfare effort. We have to stand together and step up support to Ukraine's deep strike capability," said Minister.

So far, Lithuania has committed EUR 20 million for long-range drone manufacturing and is engaged in active effort developing joint production with Ukrainian companies in Lithuania, the maritime drone project being the most successful part of this effort so far.

Lithuania is also a member of urgent aid initiatives in support of Ukraine contributing USD 30 million to the PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) initiative, EUR 68 million to the Czech ammunition initiative, EUR 5 million to the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) and EUR 30 million for acquisition of the Patriot Air Defence System.

"We are actively working to start joint production with the Ukrainian defence industry here in Lithuania. Joint production will enhance the supply to both nations strengthening defensive capabilities and boosting the economy," said D. Šakalienė.

Minister noted that Ukraine will need EUR 120 billion to sustain defence in 2026, half of which must come as international assistance and the other half - by means of the frozen russian assets.

Since the outbreak of the war in 2022, Lithuania has given Ukraine nearly EUR 900 million in military assistance.

Minister also underscored that Lithuania would contribute land, maritime and training capabilities to the Coalition of the Willing in case of a ceasefire. "The plans of preserving peace must be supported with robust capabilities, strong air defence and counter-drone systems. It is also crucial to maintain the U.S. support," Minister added.

Memorandum on Ukraine's new Brigade

The Baltic, Nordic and Polish Defence Ministers signed a Memorandum on formation of a Ukrainian Brigade on the sidelines of the NATO Defence Ministerial.

Parties to the Memorandum will provide assistance in weaponry, equipment and personnel training, enabling formation of a Brigade that meets the current NATO standards.

Lithuania will contribute a mobile training team, blank ammunition and grenades, also, counter-drone and night vision equipment worth of approx. EUR 12 million produced by Lithuania. Lithuanian-made products have already been supplied to Ukraine and proven on the battlefield.

The OP-LEGIO training facility was opened on October 1, 160 km into Poland away from the border with Ukraine. The Norwegian-led initiative has been joined by Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Poland, Lithuania, Finland and Sweden.

Lithuania continues the comprehensive assistance to Ukraine and lives up to its commitments. Through the Capability Coalition for Demining of Ukraine co-led with Iceland, demining equipment is delivered to Ukrainian EOD units on a regular basis. Lithuania contributes to five other Capability Coalitions - from drone to electronic warfare - as well.