Political and military support for Ukraine should go hand in hand with economic support, this is what will allow it to overcome all the challenges of wartime and ensure stable living conditions for citizens. Yuliia Svyridenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, stated this in an online statement at the annual Lithuanian Economic Forum. She also called on Lithuanian businesses to participate in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.
The Minister thanked Lithuania, its leadership, local authorities and citizens for the comprehensive, decisive and consistent support of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia, and she urged Lithuanian businesses to preserve and increase its presence in Ukraine: "Currently, we need the courage of Lithuanian businesses to continue operating in Ukraine. We need your support in restoring the infrastructure as soon as possible in a number of regions of Ukraine, in particular, in the de-occupied regions. However, the main thing is that we need new investments. Despite the circumstances, it is critical to demonstrate that the war is not an embargo on investments in Ukraine. Amidst constant threats from russia, Ukraine will appreciate any investment projects that dare to be present in our country. And we work a lot on insurance and reducing the risks of such investments", Yuliia Svyridenko noted.
The prospects of such cooperation are mutually beneficial, because Ukrainian integration into the EU internal market creates a number of opportunities for Lithuanian companies that want to scale up their businesses and participate in the European supply chain. And this, in turn, ensures the economic stability of the entire region.
According to the Minister, it is only by joining efforts that it is possible to overcome the obstacles that russia and belarus pose to Ukraine and Lithuania, in particular, through complicating overland transit and creating a threat of an energy crisis.
"The experience of stability and cooperation even in such difficult conditions will only strengthen economic relations between Ukraine and Lithuania. I believe that it is vital not only nowadays, but also in strategic plane. And the decision to grant Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership is only a starting point for long-term economic development, which will be supported by recovery projects," Yuliia Svyrydenko added.
Background
Since the beginning of the military aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine, Lithuania has provided our country with military assistance, which includes Stinger air-defense systems, anti-tank weapons, body armor and helmets, 120-mm mortars, small arms, ammunition, thermal imagers, drones, anti-drones, surveillance radars, and as well as equipment manufactured by Lithuanian companies, including night vision devices, anti-drone weapons, etc.
Civil defense equipment - equipment for firefighting and rescue operations - boats, mobile heating devices, individual dosimeters, gas masks, fire gloves, as well as communication equipment were also transferred from Lithuania to Ukraine.
In the near future, Lithuania will provide Ukraine with M113 and M157 armored personnel carriers, as well as ammunition for reserve training. The country also offers to train Ukrainian National Guard personnel. Ukraine has defined the key requirements for military training, and the Armed Forces of Lithuania are ready to fulfill them. In addition, it plans to provide 10 armored vehicles, ammunition and anti-drones to Ukraine.
Citizens of Lithuania purchased and delivered another batch of EDM4S Sky Wiper anti-drone guns to Ukraine. 110 units of this equipment will replenish the arsenal of the Armed Forces. The value of the gift is €1.5 million.
Lithuania will purchase 37 Polish Warmate kamikaze drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
On October 12, 2022, a new package of military aid to Ukraine was announced. Lithuania plans to transfer winter clothing and equipment to the Armed Forces, will allocate additional funds for material support next year, plans to provide 120-mm mortars on platform 113, armored vehicles, thermal imagers, drones, etc.
