Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas underscored at the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group June 15 that assistance was still critical to Ukraine and we had to support Ukraine so that it prevailed over the Russian aggression.
“Ukraine is fighting for the security of the entire region, so we have to join forces with the Allies to put an end to the war against Ukraine as soon as possible. A strong and enduring support and armament supply is key if we want Ukraine to prevail,” underscored A. Anušauskas.
Minister also pointed out the role of NATO in demining Ukraine’s territory and arranging training for Ukrainian military. “It is evident that this war will require a sustained support from us, therefore every one of us should be “committed to Ukraine”,” said Minister of National Defence.
The Ministry of National Defence and the Lithuanian Armed Forces have already transferred to Ukraine part of the shipment collected in late May: 10 military trucks and 10 SUVs used for demining operations.
The military assistance Lithuania has given Ukraine to date includes the Stinger air defence systems, anti-armor weapons, tactical vests and helmets, 120 mm mortars, small arms, ammunition, thermovisors, drones, anti-drone equipment and surveillance radars.
The total of support Lithuania has provided so far amounts to approx. EUR 115 million.
Lithuania has also started training Ukrainians to use Western weaponry, the first course wrapped back in April providing 20 trained anti-tank system instructors to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Also, a special skills course arranged under the international Defence Education Enhancement Program (DEEP) for Ukrainian troops at the Lithuanian Armed Forces school was completed on June 10. Over the month-long training the Ukrainian servicemembers were also instructed on the small arms used in the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting was hosted by the United States. It was also attended by delegates from Australia and Japan.
