Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas is on a visit to Kyiv. He met with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. President and Minister overviewed the current challenges facing Ukraine. Minister of National Defence talked to President of Ukraine about Lithuania’s support, collaboration with Ukraine about sharing lessons learned and best practices in the areas of drone warfare and fortification, as well as other relevant subjects.
“Lithuania remains a loyal ally to Ukraine and a reliable partner on its way to European and Euro-Atlantic integration. We will continue to actively muster for Ukraine every aid possible, particularly military. We are not only assisting, we’re also learning together with Ukraine from your best practices and competence in drone warfare, fortification efficiency and seek a close industry cooperation. Support to Ukraine makes us more fit to strengthen our own defence industry and encourages our manufacturers to be more proactive in drone design and building,” said Minister L. Kasčiūnas.
The meeting with President V. Zelenskyy also addressed consultations on defence reform pre-dating the start of the war, the progress made in the Ukraine Demining Coalition, funding of drones sent to Ukraine and drone testing and attuning to the Ukrainian military specific done by Lithuanian manufacturers.
In August Lithuania will deliver 14 pieces of M113 armored personnel carriers, short-range air defence systems with missiles, drone jamming systems, solo drone jammers, tactical trailer, 20-tonne telescopic loaders, ATVs with spare parts, wheeled loaders, guns, ammunition, smoke munitions, gun accessories and parts.
Responding to Ukraine’s requests, this year Lithuania has delivered to Ukraine 155 mm ammunition, M577 and M113 armored personnel carriers, drone jamming equipment, Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle ammunition, RISE-1 long-range smart initiation system, disassembled L-39ZA Albatros aircraft and other aid so far.
Lithuania’s enduring assistance to Ukraine has reached over a billion euros to date, while the military assistance this far amounts to over EUR 641 million.
