In 2024 the Ministry of National Defence will further render continued military assistance to Ukraine. It will include transfers of the remaining equipment bought and implementation of the procurements started last year. New purchases have been mapped out already with the procedure set to begin in 2024. Lithuania will also continue contributing financially to international funds and carry out training and rehabilitation of Ukraine’s military personnel.
“Ensuring continued assistance to Ukraine is one of the most vital priorities for the Ministry of National Defence. The arms and equipment Lithuania and the Allies supply are critical factors in Ukraine’s defence of its independence and security of the whole Europe. Lithuania will not grow tired of supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom, just like we never grew tired fighting for reestablishment of independent Lithuania for 50 years,” says Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas.
In 2024 Lithuania will hand over to Ukraine the already purchased vehicles: trucks, pick-ups, ambulances, different types of hitches and loaders. Other necessities to be transferred will include UAVs drone jamming equipment, remote detonation equipment, ammunition and magazines, warm clothing sets and various types of equipment necessity during the winter.
The Ministry of National Defence will implement a series of new acquisitions in 2024: the assistance to Ukraine plan 2024-2026 foresees approx. EUR 200 million for acquisitions in assistance to Ukraine.
Most of the upcoming assistance is oriented to meet the needs of the demining coalition of Ukraine, therefore it will include different mine neutralization equipment, loaders, tank trucks, besides ammunition and field rations. This package will be delivered to Ukraine in 2024-2025.
“The demining coalition of Ukraine is created to combine and coordinate the assistance rendered or planned by donor states for demining of Ukraine. We are establishing a fund to implement the objectives of the coalition, including for acquisitions of technical means and equipment necessary for completing mine countermeasures on the territory of Ukraine. In that way Lithuania will further develop our engagement in the replenishment of Ukraine’s military capabilities not only by responding to urgent needs but also by forming permanent demining of Ukraine units that will receive adequate equipment and gear and meet Western military standards,” says A. Anušauskas.
Aside from the input in the demining of Ukraine coalition fund, in 2024 Lithuania will continue contributing to other international assistance fund for Ukraine and cover expenses of training Ukrainian military. Approx. 3000 troops of Ukraine are planned to undergo training by the end of 2024, rehabilitation of the injured military will also retain the tempo and scope of 2023.
Also, in 2024 the Ministry of National Defence will actively engage to assist with the Ukrainian defence reform and services standardization.
Photo credit: MoD / SSgt A. Čemerka.
