At the meeting, the Presidents will discuss the security situation in Ukraine, the implementation of the Minsk agreements and the coming into effect of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. The heads of states will discuss the necessity to continue the implementation of vital reforms: fight against corruption, restructuring in the Office of the Prosecutor General, the judiciary and the public sector, as well as ensuring transparent environment for business.
The Presidents will also meet with soldiers who received medical treatment in Lithuania. Each year, some 50 Ukrainian soldiers wounded in the war are treated in Lithuania. In total, 150 military staff received rehabilitation in Lithuania, which is the highest number among all countries supporting Ukraine. Lithuania actively assists Ukraine in reforming and training its military forces by sending army instructors and medical staff to Ukraine still in the grip of war.
In the afternoon, the President will launch the Days of Lithuania in Kharkov. This is a traditional event, organized by the Lithuanian Embassy in Ukraine in different cities. This year, it will be held in Kharkov and Odessa and will include a bilateral business forum and a presentation of study and tourism opportunities in our country. Lithuanian culture will be represented by old crafts, traditional cuisine, folklore ensembles, and the Lithuanian rock group Biplan which has already earned popularity among Ukrainians. Some 100 Lithuanians reside in Kharkov.
Kharkov is the second largest city of Ukraine located just 40 kilometers away from the border with Russia. In 2014, pro-Russian separatists seized the local administration and aimed to destabilize the situation. The National Guard of Ukraine, citizens and even the football fans mobilized themselves and defended Kharkov.
