Lithuania joins fund to preserve Ukrainian cultural heritage damaged by Russia

VILNIUS - Lithuania is joining the International Fund for Ukrainian Cultural Heritage, dedicated to preserving and restoring sites damaged by Russian aggression, Culture Minister Lukas Alsys said on Wednesday during a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Tetjana Berezna in Ukraine.

According to the ministry, the fund has already contributed to the restoration of key Ukrainian cultural sites, with new projects planned for the future. Alsys said Lithuania's participation was an expression of solidarity and concrete support for Ukraine's cultural heritage.

The meeting focused on protecting cultural assets during wartime, international cooperation, and combating Russian propaganda and disinformation. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation by sharing expertise and increasing public resilience to information threats.

The ministers also discussed preparations for Lithuania's presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027. Lithuania aims to actively involve Ukraine in meetings of culture ministers and other events under the presidency programme, promoting joint European cultural projects and institutional cooperation between museums, theatres and other cultural institutions.

According to the ministry, the visit to Kyiv reaffirmed Lithuania's firm support for Ukraine and the determination of both countries to jointly protect cultural heritage and develop a long-term strategic partnership.