Lithuanian defmin meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky

VILNIUS – Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Friday and briefed him on Lithuania's current military assistance and further support plans, the Defense Ministry says, adding that possibilities to jointly develop various defense industry projects were discussed during the meeting.

"Today, I met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in Kyiv. We discussed military support and further support plans following the transfer of the NASAMS medium-range air defense system, as well as the demining coalition and possibilities to jointly develop various defense industry projects," Anusauskas posted on Facebook.

Earlier in the day, Lithuania handed over launchers and necessary equipment for the NASAMS medium-range air defense systems to Ukraine. 

Before the launchers were handed over to Ukrainian troops, they underwent comprehensive driving and repair training in Norway, the ministry added.

Together with the NASAMS launchers, Lithuania has also provided all-terrain vehicles needed for NASAMS crews. The Norwegian Ministry of Defense contributed to this Lithuanian support by giving Ukraine additional support equipment necessary and Fire Distribution Centers for NASAMS launchers.

According to the Defense Ministry, the total value of Lithuania's military assistance to Ukraine stands around 500 million euros. The next planned Lithuanian military assistance includes grenade launcher ammunition, logistic vehicles and various types of equipment for the winter season.