Prime Minister: Lithuania Will Continue to Support and Strengthen Ukraine
On 21st of August Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius met with Olha Nikitchenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Lithuania. Ahead of Ukraine’s Independence Day, the meeting focused on Lithuania’s continued support for Ukraine, efforts to ensure long-term security in Europe, bilateral defence cooperation, and Ukraine’s integration into the European Union and NATO.
“Ukrainians are fighting not only for the right to live in their own free country. Today, they are defending a fundamental principle: borders in Europe cannot be changed by force, and aggression cannot be rewarded with political concessions. Lithuania stands with Ukraine. It is important to us that the end of the war brings not a temporary pause, but a safe and just future for Ukraine and for Europe as a whole,” Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius said.
The Prime Minister stressed that as Russia continues its aggression, the international community must step up pressure on the aggressor. Lithuania supports tougher sanctions, stronger enforcement, and joint efforts to prevent sanctions evasion.
The meeting also underscored that the aggressor must be held accountable for its crimes. Justice must be served, and Ukrainian children, civilians, and prisoners of war who have been unlawfully detained or taken to Russia must be safely returned.
The Prime Minister and the Ambassador also discussed further cooperation between Lithuania’s and Ukraine’s defence industries. “Our task is not only to help Ukraine withstand aggression, but also to build up a security capability that will be among the strongest on our continent in the future,” the Prime Minister said.
The discussion also covered Ukraine’s path towards EU and NATO membership. Lithuania supports Ukraine joining the EU by 2030 and calls for the remaining negotiating chapters to be opened without delay.