On January 24-25 Vice Minister of National Defence Vytautas Umbrasas spoke at the panel “Common Threat? Security of Ukraine and Georgia is the security of the entire Europe” and gave an interview on the necessity for Lithuania to continue the significant political and practical support to Ukraine through cooperation with Poland while attending the 12th Europe-Ukraine Forum in Rzeszów.
“We can see that NATO allies and partners are unified by common challenges from the East, therefore we have to enhance our cooperation, abilities to defend ourselves, and to continue our joint pressure on Russia as a response to its aggressive policy,” Vice Minister V. Umbrasas said at the event.
V. Umbrasas also stressed the necessity for Ukraine and Georgia to keep the pace on the implementation of all reforms necessary for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, underscored that not only the Minsk agreements were not upheld but also militarisation near the European borders continued, and disinformation and cyber-attacks were used to create turmoil and undermine the rule of law and democratic values.
Director of the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence based in Vilius, Colonel Romualdas Petkevičius spoke at the panel on Economy and Development. He accentuated that Gazprom was an instrument of Russia’s energy politics – not a profit-oriented enterprise. Thus accordingly, projects from Gazprom ought to be seen as a network of Russia’s political influence. European institutions also criticize Nord Stream 2 project also seen as very controversial by Ukraine, Poland, and Slovakia, however, continued despite such political protests.
“NATO and NATO allies have to understand that the project impacts political endurance and energy security of the defensive alliance. Its consequences will be faced in the near future. What measures, except for diplomacy, will be taken by those countries affected by the Nord Stream 2 political project?” Col R. Petkevičius asked at the forum.
Member of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania Andrius Kubilius presented Lithuania’s initiatives “Ukraine – 2027”, took part in discussion on “1989-2019. Thirty Years of Freedom in the Central and Eastern European Countries – Sources of Successes, Causes of Failures.”
The 12th Europe-Ukraine Forum pulled together approximately 800 renowned politicians, NGO representatives, academics, business representatives, journalists, international relations experts from EU members, Ukraine, U.S., and other countries.
The main organiser of the event is the Foundation Institute for Eastern Studies based in Warsaw. Over the two days of Forum sessions on international politics, security and defence, economy, reform and EU integration, and stronger civil society.
Vice Minister V. Umbrasas visited Lublin where the staff of the joint Lithuanian, Polish and Ukrainian Brigade LITPOLUKRBRIG is based while on the way to Rzeszów. He met with Commander of the Great Hetman Konstantinas Ostrogiškis Brigade Col Dmytro Bratiško (Armed Forces of Ukraine), his deputy, Lithuanian officer Col Arturas Jasinskas and Chief of Staff of the Brigade Col Michał Małyska (Polish Armed Forces). Deputy Chief of the General Staff of Poland Maj Gen Adam Joks paid a visit to Lublin as well – at the meeting the LITPOLUKRBRIG staff leadership presented the Brigade’s activity plans for 2019 and discussed topical matters together.
Photos: courtesy of LITPOLUKRBRIG and organisers of the Europe-Ukraine Forum
