Lithuania's New Prime Minister Makes First Foreign Visit To Ukraine
- 6.10.2025, 21:33
What did she talk to Zelensky about?
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said on Facebook on October 6 that he had held a meeting with the new Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginenė.
"This is her first foreign visit, and it is very valuable that it is to Ukraine. A true sign of support," the Ukrainian head of state wrote.
Zelensky said he and Ruginenet "talked about everything that is critically important now" - further defense aid to Ukraine, joint production of weapons and investments in the Ukrainian defense industry.
"Separately - about energy. Winter is ahead, and Russia is only increasing air terror, strikes against our cities. Therefore, strengthening our air defense is a priority issue," the president stressed.
In addition, Zelensky and Ruginenė discussed Lithuania's participation in Ukraine's reconstruction and assistance in building shelters in schools and kindergartens.
"Lithuania's willingness to contribute to the PURL initiative and join the SAFE program is important. We appreciate it. And grateful for Lithuania's comprehensive support for Ukraine. Military assistance, co-leadership in the mine clearance coalition, active participation in drone, air defense, REB, artillery and IT coalitions - all of this greatly strengthens our nation's defense," the Ukrainian president pointed out.
Ukraine today is not only at the forefront of freedom defense, but also of innovation in the military industry, said Ruginenė, quoted by the Lithuanian government's website.
Therefore, Lithuania and the rest of Europe have much to learn from Ukraine, Ruginenė added.
It is reported that during her visit to Kiev, the Lithuanian prime minister met with Zelensky, the head of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk, and together with Ukrainian Defense Minister Denis Shmygal congratulated the participants of the Defense Industries Forum.
"Ukraine has shown how, despite the war, it is possible to shorten the path of defense innovation - from an idea to a product that has proven its value on the battlefield. We see the great importance of drones and counter-drone means, as well as the high level of Ukraine's capabilities in this area. By combining these capabilities, resources and experience, we will strengthen our indivisible security - both in Ukraine and across Europe," Ruginenė said.
In the course of her meetings in Kyiv, the current needs of supporting Ukraine and its European integration progress were also discussed.