Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas had a meeting with Ambassador of Ukraine to Lithuania HE Petro Beshta. Minister assured him that Lithuania was prepared to continue the support to Ukraine and reiterated it would not waver until Ukraine’s victory.
To date, Lithuania has provided EUR 283 million worth of assistance to Ukraine, such as Stinger air defence systems, anti-armor weapons, tactical vests and helmets, 120 mm mortars, ammunition, thermal imaging equipment, drones, drone jammers, surveillance radars, M113 armored personnel carriers, trucks, ATVs, and every other kind of aid available in accordance to the requirement put forward by Ukraine.
The new package of military assistance from Lithuania will comprise several dozens of L-70 antiaircraft guns with ammunition and Mi-8 helicopters. The Ministry of National Defence will invest tens of millions of euros still this year to support and train Ukraine’s armed forces. The assistance will include drone jammers, nigh vision devices, thermal imagery devices, drones. Total value of the latest assistance package to Ukraine amounts to approx. 125 million euros
Two more million euros will be transferred to the UK international fund for financing heavy weaponry, including artillery systems and ammunition, direct fire systems and armored tactical vehicles.
The Ministry of National Defence has allocated EUR 4 million for training Ukrainian troops in Lithuania where currently, 60 mm mortar and MP operations courses are delivered to 121 Ukrainians.
“Ukrainian military instructors have been undergoing L70 anti-aircraft gun training since late January. When they return, they will transfer the skills to more Ukrainian operators. Our plan is to deliver the course to approx. 1600 troops this year. We are doing everything possible in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We understand the critical role of time,” said Minister of National Defence.
Other topics addressed at the meeting was Ukraine’s need for junior officer (company commander) training. Representatives of the MoD and the Military Academy of Lithuania are weighing the possibility of delivering a six-week training for 50 people. If the course is approved, the total of 100 company commanders will be trained in Lithuania in 2023.
Photo credit: MoD / A. Pliadis
