Speaker of the Seimas Juozas Olekas meets Ukrainian leaders in Kyiv

Press release, 29 October 2025 (News ●  photos ● broadcasts and videos )

Juozas Olekas, Speaker of the Seimas, paid a working visit to Kyiv, where he met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine; Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada; Yulia Svyrydenko, Prime Minister; and Denys Shmyhal, Minister of Defence. 

‘It was a very intensive and informative one-day visit during which we discussed with the Ukrainian leaders many areas where Lithuania can assist the war-torn country. My work stems from the core belief that help is imperative and must be delivered through actions and concrete decisions, rather than verbal support. We discussed crucial steps to help Ukraine preserve stability, defend against the enemy, and rebuild the country after the war,’ Mr Olekas said upon his return.

Discussions with President Zelenskyy focused on military support and cooperation in the defence industry, including the implementation of the PURL (Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List) and SAFE (Security Action for Europe). PURL is a mechanism enabling European allies to collectively finance the purchase of US-produced weapons and defence equipment for Ukraine. SAFE is an EU-run programme aimed at increasing the co-production of ammunition and other defence materials in participating European countries, with a focus on long-range strike systems. 

The meeting also addressed opportunities for joint weapon production and Ukraine’s prospects for EU integration. Leaders stressed the need to further strengthen sanctions against Russia by targeting the financial and energy sectors, restricting the shadow fleet, and countering Russian propaganda.

In talks with Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, the leaders highlighted closer cooperation between the two parliaments in accelerating the alignment of Ukrainian legislation with EU law – a key step in Ukraine’s accession process. 

Mr Olekas noted that the Permanent Representative of the Lithuanian Parliament, who will take office in Kyiv from November, will play a significantly role in helping Ukraine to adapt its legislation to EU requirements. Mr Olekas reaffirmed Lithuania’s strong political, military, and humanitarian support for Ukraine.

Critical situation of Ukraine’s energy system was the main topic in discussions with Prime Minister Svyrydenko, given Russia’s targeted attacks ahead of winter. Before the meeting, Mr Olekas visited the Trypil thermal power plant, heavily damaged by Russian strikes.

‘With the Prime Minister, we discussed the reconstruction of the destroyed energy infrastructure, the equipment needed for repair, and the possibilities of gas supply, including the use of the Klaipėda liquefied gas terminal,’ Mr Olekas said.

Cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine in the defence industry was discussed with Denys Shmyhal, Minister of Defence of Ukraine. 

Mr Olekas emphasised that all meetings with the Ukrainian leaders focused on practical, concrete ways to assist Ukraine across multiple sectors.

The Speaker of the Seimas visited the office of the Lithuanian Central Project Management Agency (CPMA) in Kyiv, where he was briefed on projects supporting veteran rehabilitation, education, energy assistance, mine clearance, and Ukraine’s future EU integration.

In addition, Mr Olekas visited Kyiv University of Law of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, where he delivered a lecture entitled United for Freedom, Together We Build Our Future. He highlighted the importance of unity among democratic nations, the role of young people in shaping the future, and the unwavering determination of Ukrainians in their fight for freedom.

Following the lecture, Mr Olekas attended an extended meeting of the University’s Scientific Council and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa) of Kyiv University of Law of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

In the evening, the Speaker addressed an audience in Kyiv gathered for the opera ‘No Encore: Macbeth’. In Kyiv and Kharkiv, Ukrainians were invited to a live broadcast of the Lithuanian-produced opera featuring renowned Lithuanian performers.

Mr Olekas told the audience in Kiev that Macbeth carries a message that resonates today: evil exacts a toll but ultimately faces retribution. He congratulated the people of Ukraine for briefly returning to music – even as it was interrupted by relentless explosions.

Gitana Letukienė, Advisor to the Speaker of the Seimas, tel. +370 5 209 6171, mob. +370 614 019 97, e-mail: [email protected]