On February 13 the military aid Lithuania provides to Ukraine – Stinger antiaircraft systems – left from the Lithuanian Air Force Šiauliai Base for the destination in Kyiv. The assistance has been enabled by the consent of the U.S. Government to hand over U.S.-made equipment to a third state. The transferred consignment also includes Lithuania’s body armor vest sets donated to Ukraine.
“Ukraine’s security is our security. We are rendering additional support as a result of the increased Russian military pressure in Ukraine and around it, so that Ukraine’s military capabilities and ability to ensure territorial defence and protection of the population in case of a potential Russian aggression are strengthened,” says Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas.
The aid has been flown to Ukraine by the NATO strategic airlift capability. Lithuania is a member in the C-17 programme which grants an agreed number of annual C-17 cargo jet flight hours, typically used for transportation of personnel and equipment to areas of international operations and missions.
Lithuania has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty with internationally recognized borders since the very beginning of the Russian military aggression against Ukraine in 2014. Lithuania is providing to Ukraine all forms of legally permitted assistance, including military, as well as military training and mentoring, participation in joint exercises, hospital treatment and aftercare for injured servicemembers.
Photo credits: Lithuanian Armed Forces
