Reaffirming Lithuania's unwavering support for Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression until victory and for the country's EU and NATO membership aspirations, Ms Šimonytė and Mr Zelensky discussed the current war situation, the most pressing needs for military, political and other support to Ukraine, the implementation of the country's EU and NATO membership objectives, as well as the implementation and expansion of sanctions against Russia and its supporter Belarus. They also addressed issues related to international responsibility for the crime of aggression.
“It is a pleasure to welcome you here in Lithuania, where we have always perfectly understood, and continue to understand, both Russia's imperial aspirations and Ukraine's struggle for your freedom and the freedom of all of us. From the very first days of the Russian invasion, Ukraine's will and ability to defend itself have exceeded the expectations of sceptics, and I have no doubt that this will continue. Ukraine must and can win - and it will. Lithuania will do everything in its power to ensure that your country defends its freedom and sovereignty, reclaiming every square metre of the territory of Ukraine illegally occupied or annexed by the aggressor as soon as possible. Only Ukraine's victory can ensure a just and sustainable peace in our common home, Europe", said Prime Minister Šimonytė.
Lithuania will continue to strive to meet Ukraine's most urgent military, humanitarian, economic, civilian infrastructure reconstruction, and other needs to the maximum extent possible, and will urge its allies to do the same as well, the Head of Government added. The effectiveness and promptness of military assistance, along with its relevance to Ukraine's needs, must ensure that Ukraine can swiftly defend itself against Russian aggression now and deter such aggression in the future.
At the same time, the Prime Minister noted that Lithuania would never support attempts to force Ukraine into negotiations with the aggressor Russia on terms imposed by the latter.
I. Šimonytė and V. Zelensky discussed the course of the war and the situation at the front, as well as Ukraine's ongoing European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
According to the Prime Minister, without Ukraine's EU membership, the project of a peaceful and prosperous Europe is not complete, nor can we talk about European and transatlantic security without Ukraine's NATO membership. It is not only worthy of special respect but also of sincere admiration that Ukraine is able to make progress on the reform agenda necessary for membership even in wartime conditions, Šimonytė added.
“We are ready to share Lithuania's experience in EU accession negotiations, to further assist in strengthening administrative capacity and implementing reforms, to jointly identify potential challenges and to help resolve them, because your success will also be our success, as well as the success of the common European project," the Prime Minister said.
The meeting focused on the need to continue increasing the pressure of sanctions on Russia and its accomplices, strengthening the effective implementation of existing sanctions, and utilizing frozen and immobilised Russian assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Lithuania will continue its efforts to ensure that all those responsible for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and other war crimes and crimes against humanity committed and still being committed against Ukraine are brought to justice, Šimonytė added.
