Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė met in Vilnius with Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to discuss issues of multifaceted support for Ukraine, the situation on the frontline as the country defends itself against Russian aggression, and the Victory Plan recently unveiled by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Lithuania will continue to do everything within our power to ensure that support for Ukraine continues, strengthens, and reaches the country as swiftly as possible. This support must not be stalled by Russia’s intimidation with claims of escalation—Russia escalates only in response to our lack of resolve—or by political cycles in our countries. Lithuania fully supports President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Victory Plan, as Ukraine’s victory is the only path to a sustainable peace in Europe and the preservation of a rules-based international order,” said Prime Minister Šimonytė.
As noted during the meeting, Russia’s war against Ukraine is not merely about territorial gains or Ukraine’s chosen geopolitical direction. It is a struggle between autocratic regimes and the democratic world, aimed at reshaping the current global security architecture. This is further evidenced by the practical support Russia receives from Iran, Belarus, China, and North Korea. Recent reports about potential North Korean troops preparing to fight alongside Russia are especially troubling.
In the context of the ongoing discussions on allowing Ukraine to strike military targets in Russia with partner countries’ weapons, it was emphasized that the aggressor should not expect to remain safe while continually attacking not just military but also civilian infrastructure and peaceful civilians in Ukraine. Striking back is both Ukraine’s right as a defending nation and a necessity for effective defence.
The importance of supporting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which has been under attack by Russia since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, was also discussed, particularly in light of the cold season. In this context, support for Ukraine’s energy system is crucial, alongside strengthening its air defences and ensuring the international community pays due attention to Russia’s violations of nuclear safety.
Support for Ukraine’s energy sector is one of the key elements of Lithuania’s non-military aid, alongside efforts to restore the country’s education infrastructure, provide medical and psychosocial rehabilitation for Ukraine’s defenders, and address other priorities.
Source: lrv.lt