Ukraine – A Cornerstone of European Security: Second Joint Meeting of the Lithuanian and Ukrainian Governments Held in Vilnius
Lithuania’s support for Ukraine is and will remain unwaveringly strong, Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė emphasised, noting that Ukraine itself is making a significant contribution to strengthening the security of Lithuania and Europe as a whole by sharing its experience.
The second joint meeting of the Lithuanian and Ukrainian Governments, held in Vilnius, focused on ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of defence, security, resilience and energy. Lithuania will continue contributing to the enhancement of Ukraine’s defence capabilities, defence industry initiatives, demining efforts, rehabilitation programmes and resilience projects.
Today, a Joint Declaration was signed on cooperation in strengthening civil preparedness, resilience and the continuity of state functions in the event of war or other serious security crises. A Joint Statement by the Prime Ministers of Lithuania and Ukraine, Inga Ruginienė and Yuliia Svyrydenko,was also issued following the second Lithuanian–Ukrainian intergovernmental consultations.
“This meeting once again confirms the special partnership between our countries and Lithuania’s clear commitment to stand with Ukraine both today and in the future. It also demonstrates Ukraine’s openness in sharing with Lithuania its experience, which is more relevant than ever in the context of today’s security challenges. We fully understand that Ukraine is defending not only its own freedom, independence and territorial integrity. It is defending the security, democracy and values of the whole of Europe, as well as our ability to live in lasting peace,” Prime Minister Ruginienė said.
Prime Ministers Inga Ruginienė and Yuliia Svyrydenko, together with ministers from both countries, discussed practical avenues for bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors.
Discussions highlighted the invaluable contribution of Ukraine’s achievements in innovative defence technologies, as well as its experience in ensuring civil protection, the resilience of critical infrastructure and the continuity of government functions under extreme conditions.
The two countries stressed the need, together with partners, to continue increasing pressure on Russia and its accomplice in aggression, Belarus. This includes strengthening sanctions, preventing their circumvention, barring representatives of aggressor states from returning to international sporting competitions and stages, and pursuing accountability for Russia and its collaborators for crimes committed.
Prime Minister Ruginienė also reiterated Lithuania’s support for Ukraine’s membership of the European Union and NATO.
“A safe, strong and united Europe is impossible without Ukraine. Ukraine must become a full member of the European Union before 2030. This process has taken far too long, and we must do everything possible to accelerate it. Today, we discussed how Lithuania can further contribute by supporting Ukraine’s reform process,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Ruginienė also noted that, when Lithuania assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in January 2027, Ukraine will occupy a particularly important place on the Presidency’s agenda.
The Prime Ministers of Lithuania and Ukraine will also welcome the second NATO–Ukraine Defence Innovators Forum in Vilnius today, an important example of practical cooperation.
