Minister of National Defense A. Anušauskas met with the President of Ukraine V. Zelenskius

The possibility of joint development of various defense industry projects was also discussed, the Ministry of National Defense reported.

“Ukraine’s security is an integral part of Euro-Atlantic security, and only Ukraine’s membership in NATO will provide Ukraine with security guarantees and a reliable deterrent against Russia’s expansionist aggression. We raise the issue of Ukraine’s NATO membership in all formats, especially when talking to those who are not the biggest supporters, because the security of Lithuania and Europe also depends on the outcome of this war,” A. Anušauskas said in the announcement.

A. Anušauskas personally thanked V. Zelenski for his unbreakable leadership during the war and assured that Lithuania’s commitment to support Ukraine remains unchanged. The minister presented Lithuania’s efforts in transferring military equipment and equipment, assembling a demining coalition, training Ukrainian soldiers, and providing soldiers with rehabilitation and treatment.

“Today in Kyiv I met with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and the Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov. We talked about military support and further support plans after the transfer of the medium-range air defense system to NASAMS, the demining coalition, about the possibilities of joint development of various defense industry projects. Visiting Ukraine for the sixth time since the beginning of the large-scale invasion, I remembered what I wrote almost 600 days ago in Kiev, driving between checkpoints and metal hedgehog barricades: “Ukraine has changed. Kyiv has changed. A road that used to be covered in a few hours has become much longer. We arrived just in time for the end of the 35-hour curfew.”

And now the city, protected by air defense systems, has returned to its pre-war state – everything is working, there are many people, there are traffic jams on the streets… It seems as if there is no war. There is only one air hazard…”, the Lithuanian Minister of National Defense writes on Facebook.

During his visit to Kyiv, the minister also met with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The current war situation, further actions of the Ukrainian army, support needs and military cooperation were discussed in detail with him.

As announced, Lithuania handed over medium-range air defense systems NASAMS missile launchers and necessary equipment to Ukraine.

“The NASAMS missile launch systems purchased by Lithuania will be integrated into the fire control units of the Ukrainian army, thereby supplementing and expanding the operational capacity of the NASAMS systems donated by Norway and the United States.” Our support remains an important factor in Ukraine’s defense. We hear Ukraine’s needs, we urge our allies to hear them as well”, says A. Anušauskas.

The contract for the purchase of NASAMS missile launchers transferred to Ukraine with the Norwegian company “Kongsberg” was signed by the Defense Resources Agency in June of this year. Then it was announced that Lithuania is buying air defense NASAMS launchers for Ukraine for 9.8 million. euros.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, before handing over the launchers to the Ukrainian soldiers, full comprehensive training was held in Norway, including courses for drivers and repairmen.

Along with the NASAMS launchers, Lithuania also handed over the high-end vehicles needed by the NASAMS crews. The Norwegian Ministry of Defense contributed to this Lithuanian support, which additionally donated NASAMS missile launch system support equipment and fire control centers to Ukraine.

Aid to Ukraine was transported by the Lithuanian army.

Lithuania also handed over anti-drones and generators to Ukraine.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces that the total value of Lithuania’s military support to Ukraine amounts to about half a billion euros. The closest planned military support of Lithuania includes ammunition for grenade launchers, logistical vehicles and various equipment needed for the winter season.