The two leaders co-chaired the 13th Council of the Presidents of Lithuania and Ukraine which focused on strengthening bilateral relations, ceasing commercial exchanges of electricity produced at the unsafe nuclear power plant in Ostrovets, and improving regional security. Among the other issues discussed were the realization of Ukraine’s aspirations for Euro-Atlantic and European integration, Ukraine’s reform agenda and the reinforcement of Eastern Partnership policies.
A declaration was signed on the European perspective of Ukraine. Lithuania welcomed Ukraine’s progress in the reform process and expressed its commitment to support Ukraine on the path of eurointegration.
“Ukraine, like any other European country that adheres to the principles of democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights, can seek membership in the European Union. Therefore, Lithuania supports Ukraine’s integration efforts and strategic reforms in the fields of justice, anti-corruption, the rule of law, and public administration,” the President said.
Gitanas Nausėda underlined that Lithuania upheld the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The President expressed strong support for Ukraine’s determination to seek peace while resisting Russian aggression for seven years.
Gitanas Nausėda welcomed Ukraine’s initiative to establish an international platform for Crimea, which would bring together like-minded states that do not recognize the annexation of Crimea. The possibility of engaging EU heads of state or government in this initiative was also discussed. “This year, we mark seven years of the illegitimate and illegal annexation of Crimea. We have no right to forget the occupation and annexation of Crimea, we will continue the policy of non-recognition, and we will keep reminding the international community about it,” the President said.
Gitanas Nausėda emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation between NATO and Ukraine by ensuring the implementation of NATO standards in defense. Lithuania is actively engaged in contributing to the alignment of Ukrainian military capabilities and infrastructure with Allied standards.
The President highlighted the geopolitical threat posed by the Ostrovets nuclear power plant. According to the President, the decision to close the market for unsafe electricity from the Ostrovets nuclear power plant was extremely important in order to reduce geopolitical, hybrid and energy security threats in the region.
“The Ostrovets nuclear power plant is a Russian tool of geopolitical influence. As Ukraine resolutely fights against Russia's aggression, it must also resolutely resist the leverage of economic influence.
The two leaders exchanged views on the Ukraine Reform Conference to be held in Vilnius on July 7-8. Gitanas Nausėda stressed the importance of this event in setting out the priorities on Ukraine’s eurointegration agenda as well as plans to deliver security, defense, economic and social reforms by 2030 and consolidating the ranks of those European countries that support Ukraine.
During the Council of Presidents meeting, four bilateral documents were signed: agreement on cooperation in the sphere of youth policies, program of cooperation in the field of culture, memorandum on mutual cooperation in the area of the transition from institutional care to family and community based services, memorandum of intent on cooperation in railway and international road transport, as well as joint declaration on enhanced strategic energy cooperation. Ukraine confirmed that it would join the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence in Vilnius.
This is the third meeting between President Gitanas Nausėda and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. The last time President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his spouse visited Lithuania was in November of 2019.
