Speaker of the Seimas in Kyiv: ‘Lithuania will continue to assist Ukraine in achieving its victory and reaching foreign policy and national security objectives’
Press release, 18 June 2024
Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, commenced her official visit in Kyiv, Ukraine, by meeting with Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Later, in her address to the Verkhovna Rada, she highlighted Lithuania’s unwavering support to Ukraine and its people, as well as comprehensive parliamentary assistance to Ukraine in its pursuit of victory and membership in Euro-Atlantic organisations.
‘This visit is particularly important, as it underlines our commitment to strengthening our bilateral relations and supporting Ukraine at this critical time. Since the very first day of Russia’s illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified war in Ukraine, supported by Belarus, the Seimas has stood firmly behind Ukraine’s fight for freedom. Declarations on the support to Ukraine, unanimously adopted by the Seimas, only confirm our strong collective commitment to standing with Ukraine in its darkest hour,’ the Speaker of the Seimas said in her address.
In the words of Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen, Europe is currently entering a new political cycle and the European Parliament election has revealed hesitant support to Ukraine of some of the EU Member States. However, this has not affected Lithuania’s unwavering commitment and solidarity with Ukraine.
‘During the meeting with Mr Stefanchuk, we engaged in fundamental discussions on Ukraine’s immediate priorities, including military support, integration into the EU and NATO, as well as other geopolitical challenges. Lithuania remains committed to helping Ukraine achieve its primary foreign policy and national security objectives,’ Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen said.
According to Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen, victory will be achieved not only through armed battles but also through work across all forms of cooperation, including parliamentary diplomacy, and collective efforts.
‘There is a lot of talk about ‘red lines’. Over the past two and a half years, it has become clear that these lines are frequently imposed upon us. Moscow seeks to exploit our fears and hesitations. Similarly to a game of chess, if we want to win, we have to establish our own rules and ignore the threats of the aggressor,’ Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen said.
Ilona Petrovė, Spokesperson for Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas,
tel.+ 370 5 209 6030, mob. + 370 698 42071, e-mail: [email protected], www.lrs.lt
Monika Kutkaitytė