Chief of the Defence Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Rear Admiral Giedrius Premeneckas, Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command Brigadier General Žilvinas Gaubys and a delegation of representatives of both bodies conducted a work visit to Ukraine. They met with Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Andrii Hnatov and other service and unit commanders and representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“We highly value this visit. The cooperation of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of Ukraine is critical to both countries. Sharing experience makes us militarily stronger and improves our readiness for armed defence,” said Chief of the Joint Staff.
The Lithuanian delegation kicked the visit by paying tribute to the fallen defenders of Ukraine at Mykhailivska and Independence Squares in Ukraine. At the meeting with the Chief of the General Staff of Ukraine implementation of bilateral military cooperation and assistance to Ukraine projects were discussed with a view of further strengthening the close ties between Lithuania and Ukraine and ensuring an effective implementation of the support projects. The meeting also addressed the military, training and humanitarian assistance Lithuania rendered, as well as troop training programme, experience exchange in the area of combat training, logistics and medical support. Yet another topic addressed was further directions of cooperation.
The Lithuanian delegation then proceeded to visit units and training centers of the Ukrainian Air Force and the Ukrainian Ground Forces Army. The situation on the frontlines was discussed extensively, as well as the Ukrainian capabilities used, especially building up the fortifications, UAVs and their role in planning and executing military operations. The Lithuanian representatives learned more about the way the mentioned capabilities contribute to operational effectiveness and personnel protection. Also, the Lithuanian delegation was particularly interested in Ukraine’s lessons learned identified over the wartime which could be instrumental in improving planning and capability development in the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
The consistent Lithuanian-Ukrainian defence cooperation is built on steadfast mutual trust and shared values. The Lithuanian military is actively contributing in strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities with a consistent training conducted for Ukrainian troops. Lithuania has rendered over EUR 754 million worth of military assistance since the start of the war. The assistance encompasses weapons, equipment, training and medical support. Lithuanian general assistance to Ukraine has already topped EUR 1.5 billion and remains a long-term effort.
Photos: courtesy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
