Gitanas NausÄ—da: Resolve of the Lithuanian people to support Ukraine is unprecedented

President of the Republic of Lithuania

Januray 11, 2023

President Gitanas NausÄ—da, who met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Lviv today, promised that Lithuania will provide continued military, economic and humanitarian support to Ukraine fighting against Russian aggression. The main priorities at the moment are military equipment and ammunition to help the Ukrainians win battles and assistance to rebuild critical energy infrastructure, currently targeted by Russian missile strikes.

The President said that L70 short-range zenith guns and ammunition will be delivered soon to Ukraine. The State Defense Council has confirmed that military assistance will be continued via Lithuanian defence industry companies and that financial contributions to international initiatives and foundations will be made for the purchase of arms to Ukraine. For this purpose, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence has already earmarked 40 million euros in its budget. Lithuania will also contribute to training Ukrainian soldiers and to replenishing and repairing Ukrainian military equipment.

"The commitment of Lithuanian people to support Ukraine is unprecedented. Ninety five percent of Lithuanians are in favor of humanitarian aid, and 70 percent of the population have donated money and material goods to Ukraine. In 2022, Lithuania granted 660 million euros in aid to Ukraine, including 240 million in military assistance. Lithuania will continue providing support until victory," the President said.

Hundreds of power generators and transformers are on their way from Lithuania to Ukraine for the restoration of Ukrainian energy sector after Russian bombardments of civilian infrastructure.

"I am proud of the people of Lithuania, non-governmental organizations, state-owned companies, municipalities. and all those who have responded to the call to help the people of Ukraine survive this cold winter. A month ago, the Red Cross and I called on Lithuanian municipalities to contribute to the relief efforts, and since then they have donated almost one hundred high-power generators, and some have cancelled planned Christmas gatherings to spend the money saved on aid to Ukraine," the President said

Gitanas NausÄ—da also underscored the importance of people's efforts to provide home to Ukrainians fleeing the war.

"We all are making an effort for Ukrainians to feel like welcome guests rather than war refugees in Lithuania. Last year, on the initiative of the First Ladies of Lithuania and Ukraine, a Ukrainian Center was opened in Vilnius. It is a place where war refugees from Ukraine can feel at home, cherish their culture, language, and be together. Diana and I have been there many times. We have met sincere and sensitive people who are grateful for the opportunity to live in safety, but who want to return home more than anything elaw," the President said.

Gitanas NausÄ—da, together with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Polish PresidentAndrzej Duda, participated in the second summit of the Lublin Triangle in Lviv today. The Lublin Triangle is a regional economic, cultural and political cooperation initiative launched by Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine in 2020 to enhance military, cultural and economic cooperation and support Ukraine's integration into the European Union. The first summit took place in December of 2021. On the very eve of the Russian military invasion on 23 February 2022, the leaders of the Lublin Triangle met again in Kyiv.