Official visit of the President of Ukraine to Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia

President met with Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Šimonytė in Vilnius

During his official visit to the Republic of Lithuania, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Šimonytė.

The Head of State thanked the Lithuanian government for comprehensive assistance to our country during the full-scale war unleashed by Russia.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ingrida Šimonytė discussed defense cooperation between the two countries, as well as joint projects in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

The parties emphasized the importance of unblocking budgetary support for Ukraine from the European Union amounting to €50 billion over four years in the framework of the Ukraine Facility.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Gitanas Nausėda visited the Ukrainian Center in Vilnius and met with the Ukrainian community

During his official visit to the Republic of Lithuania, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, together with President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda and First Lady Diana Nausėdienė, met with the Ukrainian community in Lithuania.

The event was held at the Ukrainian Center in Vilnius. At the entrance, the heads of state were greeted by Ukrainian children and presented with handmade felt blue and yellow flowers, which are a symbol of the Ukrainian Center.

Gitanas Nausėda reminded that the initiative to establish the center belonged to the First Ladies of Lithuania and Ukraine, Diana Nausėdienė and Olena Zelenska. The center provides assistance to Ukrainians who were forced to seek refuge in Lithuania from the Russian war.

"Academia, non-governmental organizations, the public and private sectors have joined forces to ensure that Ukrainians have the opportunity to develop their culture and receive the necessary support at this center," he said.

The President of Lithuania emphasized that as long as the war continues, the doors of the Ukrainian Center will always be open to Ukrainians.

"We will continue to provide decent living conditions for Ukrainian citizens who were forced to flee the war to Lithuania. Most importantly, this support reflects the attitude of Lithuanian society, so it is strong and unwavering," the President of Lithuania said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy familiarized himself with the activities of organizations that support the Ukrainian Center and provide assistance to temporarily displaced Ukrainian citizens. In particular, these are the Lithuanian Red Cross Society, Caritas Lithuania, the volunteer organization Sisters for Sisters, and the Maltese Relief Service.

The Head of State thanked Gitanas Nausėda and Diana Nausėdienė for the warm attitude towards Ukrainian citizens and the extremely emotional part of his visit to Lithuania.

"Thank you for this emotion: I saw our children, their eyes. They have adult eyes, but they were smiling. They felt almost at home. They are taking selfies. And they are alive. Thank you," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

He expressed confidence that after Ukraine's victory in the war unleashed by Russia, all Ukrainians will return home.

"We will do everything to bring this time closer. We will do everything to bring you back home. And I will do everything to ensure that Ukrainians never forget how Lithuania helped our citizens," the President of Ukraine emphasized.

The Head of State expressed gratitude to the First Ladies of Lithuania and Ukraine for the implementation of this wonderful initiative.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy separately thanked Diana Nausėdienė and awarded her the Order of Princess Olga, I class.

"I would like to personally thank you, Diana, as the President of Ukraine on behalf of the people of Ukraine for your sense of connection with Ukrainians," he said.

The First Lady of Lithuania emphasized the heroism of Ukrainians who are fiercely fighting for freedom, independence and democracy.

"It is a great honor for me to receive the state award of Ukraine from the hands of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is an award for the entire Lithuanian people, who have united for the sake of Ukraine and its people since the beginning of the war," said Diana Nausėdienė.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude and respect to the Rector of the Vytautas Magnus University, Professor Juozas Augutis, for his help and assistance.

"This war has taken away a lot from Ukraine, but it has also revealed a lot to us: there are never too many friends, but we have them. Thank you, Lithuania, for being there for Ukraine," the President summarized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy following the meeting with President Alar Karis: Estonia supports Ukraine in all elements of defense, all elements of resilience

During his official visit to Estonia, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis.

The Head of State thanked the Estonian society for its unwavering attention to Ukraine, support for the Ukrainian people and the Defense Forces.

"Estonia has already provided our country and our warriors with 17 defense support packages. You have shown leadership by offering the whole of Europe cooperation in supplying our artillery – a coalition of shells. We also appreciate the fact that you have chosen a very thorough, long-term approach to financial support for Ukraine and set a four-year volume of assistance for our country," the President of Ukraine said during a meeting with media representatives following the negotiations with Alar Karis in Tallinn.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Estonia's position on Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic integration is absolutely principled.

"I am grateful for Estonia's strong and tangible support for our country in opening negotiations on joining the European Union, as well as for our further cooperation with NATO and the obvious prospect of Ukraine becoming a full member of the Alliance," he emphasized.

During the negotiations in both narrow and extended formats, the leaders of Ukraine and Estonia discussed cooperation at the level of European institutions and the potential of the two countries in Europe.

They also talked about holding Russia accountable for the war and all manifestations of terror.

"This also means full accountability of the aggressor state. Russia must pay the full price for this aggression. Its assets and the assets of all persons associated with the aggressor state must be found, frozen and, ultimately, confiscated in favor of protection against Russian aggression and assistance to all those in Ukraine affected by the war," the Head of State said.

According to him, when Russia is held accountable for its war politically, legally, and financially, it will be an important contribution to the global defense of peace and a cautionary tale for other potential aggressors.

"I would like to note your personal efforts in this case, Mr. President – in protecting justice and the idea of full accountability of the Russian Federation. I know that Estonia is currently preparing a law on Russian assets, and Ukraine will be grateful for the effectiveness of this law," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The Presidents of Ukraine and Estonia also discussed in detail the situation on the battlefield and the war prospects of the Ukrainian state.

"All of you are well aware of the complexity and cruelty of this war. And it is really very important that Estonia supports us in all elements of defense, in all elements of our Ukrainian resilience, in everything we can and will do to defeat the enemy," the Head of State said.

The President also noted Estonian assistance in the treatment and medical rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers.

For his part, Alar Karis said that he awards all Ukrainian warriors with the Order of the Eagle Cross, I class, and handed the award to Supreme Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President of Estonia emphasized that the outcome of the war unleashed by Russia depends on the ability of partners to stand in solidarity and guarantee long-term support for Ukraine.

"Estonia's long-term contribution from the beginning of this full-scale war until 2027 will amount to €1.2 billion. Ukraine needs more and better weapons. We must ramp up military production within the EU to ensure that Ukraine gets everything it needs. In the period 2024-2027, we will allocate 0.25% of our GDP annually to Ukraine's defense, and we encourage everyone else to also provide as much assistance to Ukraine as they can," said Alar Karis.

He emphasized that Estonia will support Ukraine for as long as it takes. The President of the Republic of Estonia added that his country acceded to the Joint Declaration of the Group of Seven adopted in Vilnius.

Alar Karis expressed his belief that there should be no restrictions on the supply of weapons to Ukraine to defend against the aggressor.

According to him, Russia must feel the effects of sanctions, be politically isolated, and pay for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

President of Ukraine met with the Prime Minister of Estonia in Tallinn

During his official visit to the Republic of Estonia, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Estonia Kaja Kallas.

The Head of State thanked Kaja Kallas and the Estonian government for supporting Ukraine, providing comprehensive military, financial and humanitarian assistance and standing in solidarity with Ukraine in the fight against the Russian aggressor.

"We are going through this together and we feel your support on the battlefield as well. We are grateful for all the defense packages and for advocating for our future membership in the European Union. This also gives strength to our warriors and all civilians. Your voice is also heard loudly in support of Ukraine's future in NATO," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a press conference following the negotiations with Kaja Kallas in Tallinn.

The Head of State commended Estonia's willingness to continue military and financial assistance to our country in the coming years in the framework of the "Strategy of Victory of Ukraine".

"I appreciate your plans to allocate a certain part of your budget to maintain the defense capabilities of our country and our people. I believe this is an example of a proper, robust financial platform," he said.

"As you said, freedom must be better armed than tyranny. That is why Estonia has decided to provide long-term support: 0.25% of our GDP, a transfer over the next four years. This money will go to Ukraine as military aid. We hope this will serve as an example for everyone else to follow," said Kaja Kallas.

The leaders discussed other important Estonian initiatives to support Ukraine's defense, including the creation of an artillery coalition, an IT coalition, and the launch of the Tallinn Mechanism to bolster Ukraine's cybersecurity.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed hope for active support from Estonian business in enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities, in particular in the production of UAVs for the needs of our country.

The parties noted the start of negotiations on a bilateral agreement on security commitments that our country seeks to obtain before joining NATO.

The parties agreed to continue joint efforts to bring Ukraine closer to NATO membership and EU membership after the start of the relevant negotiations in December 2023.

The President emphasized the importance of Estonia's full support in unblocking the decision to provide €50 billion of assistance to Ukraine from the European Union.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Estonia for its leadership in the confiscation of Russian assets for the needs of Ukraine, as well as the development of a national compensation mechanism.

According to Kaja Kallas, the partners are currently working on the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's recovery and on holding Russia accountable.

In addition, the parties noted Estonia's leadership and practical role in the reconstruction and economic recovery of Ukraine without waiting for the end of the war, patronage over Zhytomyr region, and implementation of specific projects.

"We are also grateful to Estonia for the medical rehabilitation and prosthetics for our defenders, for the transfer of the fourth military mobile hospital to Ukraine. Such actions save lives," the President of Ukraine emphasized.

Memorandum of Cooperation in the Defense Industry was signed in the presence of Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kaja Kallas

In Tallinn, in the presence of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia Kaja Kallas, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine and the Estonian Defense and Aerospace Industry Association.

The Memorandum aims to support and develop partnerships between the defense industries of Ukraine and Estonia, in particular in the area of defense innovation. This includes the R&D and production of autonomous systems, electronic warfare equipment, and integrated solutions. The parties will work to ensure the technological superiority of the Ukrainian army in the war for freedom and independence. Cooperation and the launch of joint production in Ukraine are expected to create opportunities for the Ukrainian and Estonian defense industries to meet the needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the most effective way.

In Europe, we need more productive work from our defense sectors to be self-sufficient in our defense – Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following the meeting with Edgars Rinkēvičs

During his official visit to Latvia, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs.

The Head of State expressed gratitude to Latvia on behalf of all Ukrainians who defend our country and work for it.

"Latvia is among the countries that have been supporting Ukraine since the first days of the full-scale war. Mr. President, I am grateful for your personal efforts at this time. I am also grateful to your team, the entire political class, and the entire Latvian society. We appreciate that your principled position is always with Ukraine. Both in the EU institutions, NATO and other international organizations," the President of Ukraine said during a meeting with media representatives following the negotiations with Edgars Rinkēvičs in Riga.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked for the new defense package for Ukraine, which was discussed in detail during the meeting.

"Thank you for your clear understanding that the strength of our warriors, the strength of our positions, our Ukrainian future is the strength that guarantees the independence of not only Ukraine, but also the independence of many in Europe, the independence of your state. That is why it is so important for us, for Latvia, and for all our partners to continue working in the most coordinated, effective way possible, and with maximum effort to defeat Russia," the Head of State noted.

During the meeting in Riga, the two leaders also discussed the action plan for the current year. The President of Ukraine informed Edgars Rinkēvičs about the situation on the battlefield, the key needs of the Defense Forces, as well as the plans of the Russian occupiers.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said that representatives of the defense sectors of Ukraine and Latvia are signing new cooperation agreements. According to him, this year Ukraine will make every effort together with all partners to create a new arsenal of Europe – production cooperation of a level that will ensure the prevention of Russian aggression.

"We in Europe – from west to east, from north to south – need much more productive work from the defense sectors of our states. Europe must learn to be self-sufficient in its defense," the President emphasized.

"Russia understands strength only. And we all need that kind of strength in Europe," he added.

The two leaders also discussed further joint efforts regarding the sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation and those who help it circumvent restrictions. They also emphasized the importance of ensuring Europe's consolidated position on refusal to buy Russian energy resources.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Edgars Rinkēvičs for the law that ensures a fair position on Russian property. Russian assets must be used for defense against Russian aggression, he emphasized.

The Head of State also noted the support of Latvia and President Edgars Rinkēvičs personally for Ukraine's integration into the European Union. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope for the equally strong support for Ukraine's future membership in NATO.

The President of Latvia, for his part, reaffirmed continued support for Ukraine on its European and Euro-Atlantic path.

"It's time to change the emphasis. We have been talking about our support for Ukraine for as long as it takes. But the main political signal should state that we support and will continue to support Ukraine until its ultimate victory over Russian imperialism," said Edgars Rinkēvičs.

He noted that Latvia will continue to provide assistance to Ukraine, in particular through a new defense package. In addition, Latvia has initiated the creation of a coalition of drones for Ukraine in the Ramstein negotiation format. Also, according to the President of Latvia, his country will consider purchasing ammunition for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Edgars Rinkēvičs emphasized that Latvia plans to develop a mechanism for using Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine and will continue cooperation on matters related to the international tribunal for Russia's war crimes and the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children.

In Europe, we need more productive work from our defense sectors to be self-sufficient in our defense – Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following the meeting with Edgars Rinkēvičs

During his official visit to Latvia, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs.

The Head of State expressed gratitude to Latvia on behalf of all Ukrainians who defend our country and work for it.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked for the new defense package for Ukraine, which was discussed in detail during the meeting.

"Russia understands strength only. And we all need that kind of strength in Europe," he added.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Edgars Rinkēvičs for the law that ensures a fair position on Russian property. Russian assets must be used for defense against Russian aggression, he emphasized.

The President of Latvia, for his part, reaffirmed continued support for Ukraine on its European and Euro-Atlantic path.

President met with the Speaker of the Saeima in Riga

During his official visit to the Republic of Latvia, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa, Deputy Speakers, chairmen of the Saeima committees and members of the Latvia-Ukraine interparliamentary friendship group.

The President noted Latvia's significant defense and financial assistance, willingness to support Ukraine until it defeats the aggressor, including readiness to be a co-leader in the drone coalition.

“I thank you and all the people of Latvia for remaining people with strong values,” he said.

The President noted that Latvia's decision to confiscate the property of the Russian aggressor is an important precedent.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended Latvia's accession to the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, support for the establishment of a special international tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and the creation of the International Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.

The President praised the effective measures taken by Latvia to ensure compliance with sanctions and the introduction of new sanctions restrictions against the aggressor state – Russia.

The parties discussed concrete steps to assist Ukraine on its path to full membership in the EU and NATO.

The importance of the functioning of the "grain corridor" was emphasized, which is extremely important for ensuring global food security.

The participants of the meeting also discussed strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and Latvia at the parliamentary level.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that this is his second visit to Latvia, but his first visit took place before the full-scale invasion of Russia, and it was a different reality and a different period in history.

"However there is absolutely no difference in the attitude of your society. You have always supported us, our territorial integrity and sovereignty, our difficult path to the European Union and NATO. Latvia has always been on our side – on the side of justice and truth," the President emphasized.

President of Ukraine had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Latvia

During his official visit to the Republic of Latvia, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Latvia Evika Siliņa.

The Head of State thanked Evika Siliņa for the consistent and comprehensive support for our country by the government and citizens of Latvia in the wake of full-scale aggression of Russia.

"Thank you for the very warm attitude towards our people from the first days of this war. I would like to thank you for the military aid packages, in particular for the decision on another large package. This is a very important decision for us now, when we need it. Thank you for the humanitarian aid for Ukrainians," he said.

The interlocutors discussed ways to strengthen the Ukrainian army and continue military and technical assistance to Ukraine, including Latvia's readiness to be one of the leaders of the drone coalition.

During the meeting, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Evika Siliņa discussed concrete steps to support Ukraine on its path to EU and NATO membership and cooperation on international platforms. The President noted the important and effective role of Latvia in this process.

The parties also noted Ukraine's progress in implementing important reforms that are necessary, in particular, for our country's European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

The two sides emphasized the need to start consultations with a view to concluding a bilateral agreement on security commitments between Ukraine and Latvia.

The President noted that Latvia's decision to confiscate Russian state property is an important precedent and example on the European continent.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Evika Siliņa also discussed joint work to step up sanctions pressure on Russia at both European and national levels.

The Head of State expressed special gratitude to the Prime Minister of Latvia for the assistance in the restoration of Ukraine and readiness to continue implementing projects to restore social infrastructure in Chernihiv region.

Documents on technical, financial and defense cooperation were signed in the presence of the President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Latvia

In Riga, in the presence of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Latvia Evika Siliņa, the Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Latvia on technical and financial cooperation was signed.

The conclusion of the Agreement will enable the creation of an organizational and legal framework for Ukrainian-Latvian cooperation in the use of international technical assistance. The document will also facilitate the implementation of assistance projects for Ukraine on the part of Latvia to supply equipment and materials for reconstruction, transfer modern technologies to Ukraine, and implement priority reforms in the field of European integration.

The Agreement will increase the Republic of Latvia's involvement in Ukraine's reconstruction process. For this purpose, the draft state budget of Latvia for 2024 provides €5 million. In particular, €2 million will be used through the Ministry of Economics of Latvia to purchase equipment and materials for reconstruction projects in Chernihiv region; €3 million will be used through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia for social infrastructure reconstruction projects in Chernihiv region.

In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine and the Federation of Security and Defense Industries of the Republic of Latvia on cooperation in the field of defense and security.

The Memorandum aims to promote cooperation in the defense and security sectors. It envisages support for the implementation of joint projects in the field of DefenceTech, including projects for the development and manufacture of drones, electronic warfare, land and sea demining, and other defense products. Cooperation will also cover cybersecurity, communications, and integrated solutions.

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