Political and military support of Ukraine should run in tandem with economic support. This is what will make it possible to overcome all the challenges of wartime and ensure stable living conditions for citizens. First Vice Prime Minister – Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko made this statement during her online speech at the annual Lithuanian Economic Forum. She also called on Lithuanian business to take part in the post-war recovery of Ukraine.

The Minister thanked Lithuania, its leadership, local authorities and citizens for their comprehensive, strong and consistent support of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion. She urged Lithuanian business to maintain and increase its presence in Ukraine:

"Now we need the courage of Lithuanian business to continue operating in Ukraine. We need your support to speedily restore infrastructure in many regions of Ukraine, including the de-occupied ones. But the main thing is that we need new investments. Despite the circumstances, it is important to show that the war does not mean an embargo on investment in Ukraine. In the context of constant threats from Russia, Ukraine will appreciate any investment projects that dare to be present in our country. And we are working hard to insure and mitigate the risks of such investments,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko. 

The prospects of such cooperation are mutually beneficial, as Ukraine's integration into the EU internal market creates many opportunities for Lithuanian companies willing to scale their business and participate in the European supply chain. And this, in turn, ensures the economic stability of the entire region.

According to the Minister, only joint efforts can overcome the obstacles that Russia and Belarus put before Ukraine and Lithuania. In particular, by making land transit more difficult and creating the threat of an energy crisis. 

"The experience of resilience and cooperation even in such difficult conditions will only strengthen economic relations between Ukraine and Lithuania. I am convinced that it is important not only now, but also strategically. And the decision to grant Ukraine the EU candidate status is only a starting point for long-term economic development, which will be supported by recovery projects,” added Yuliia Svyrydenko. 

Background

Since the beginning of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, Lithuania has been providing our country with military aid, which includes Stinger air defence systems, anti-tank weapons, body armour and helmets, 120-mm mortars, small arms, ammunition, thermal imagers, drones, anti-drones, surveillance radars, as well as equipment manufactured by Lithuanian companies, including night vision devices, anti-drone weapons, etc.

Also, civil protection equipment – equipment for firefighting and rescue operations – boats, mobile heating devices, individual dosimeters, gas masks, fire gloves, as well as communication equipment were transferred from Lithuania to Ukraine.

Soon Lithuania will provide Ukraine with armoured personnel carriers M113 and M157, as well as ammunition for the training of the reserve. The country also offers to train Ukrainian national guardsmen. Ukraine has identified key requirements for military training, and the Lithuanian Armed Forces are ready to fulfil them. It also plans to provide 10 armoured vehicles, ammunition and anti-drone systems to Ukraine.

Lithuanian citizens purchased and delivered to Ukraine another batch of EDM4S Sky Wiper anti-drone guns. 110 units of this equipment will replenish the arsenal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The gift is worth €1.5 million

Lithuania will purchase 37 Polish Warmate kamikaze drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

On 12 October 2022, a new package of military aid to Ukraine was announced. Lithuania plans to transfer winter clothing and gear to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, will allocate additional funds for supplies next year, plans to provide 120 mm mortars on the 113 platform, armoured vehicles, thermal imagers, drones, etc.