"Today Ukraine is in a very difficult situation. The country's east is still a long way from peace despite declared truce. Every day the defence of the country not only claims human lives, but also involves huge expenses. At the same time, Ukraine needs to implement complex reforms seeking ways to strengthen its economy. Such situation calls for the unity and togetherness of Ukrainian people and for responsible efforts of all political forces," the President said.
Dalia Grybauskaite and Petro Poroshenko discussed the security situation in eastern Ukraine. The Minsk agreements are not being fully complied with, Ukraine has not regained control of its borders, the OSCE special monitoring mission representatives do not have proper conditions to work.
At their meeting, the Presidents also exchanged views on possibilities to provide international assistance for Ukraine and the need of UN and EU peacekeeping missions in Ukraine's east.
The meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk focused on Ukraine's progress in carrying out reforms. Ukraine should implement reforms in the energy sector, reduce the level of corruption, improve the judicial system and public service and make them more transparent, and ensure better conditions for doing business. The Lithuanian head of state underlined that it was very important to use the international support for reforms wisely and effectively.
