Ukrainian president thanks Baltic states for their support

KYIV - Presidents of the Baltic parliaments met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal in Kyiv on Thursday, with whom they spoke about the unwavering will of the people of Ukraine to defend their country.

Zelensky noted the importance of their visit to Ukraine despite the difficult security situation caused by the Russian invasion, spokespeople for the Ukrainian president's office said.

"From the first hours you are with us -- at the level of leaders, at the level of nations. That is why we are grateful to you. In Ukraine, everyone understands this, everyone appreciates it," Zelensky said.

"The highest trust of the people of Ukraine is in your countries and in Poland, it is true. This corresponds to the steps you have taken towards Ukraine," he added.

The Ukrainian president also expressed gratitude for signing a joint statement "On the Urgent Need to Modernize the Air Defense of Ukraine", which was signed by representatives of the parliaments of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

Presidents of the Baltic parliaments, who visited Kyiv a month after the outbreak of war, also adopted a joint declaration with their Ukrainian colleague for the restoration of security in Europe. The declaration was signed by President of the Riigikogu of the Republic of Estonia Juri Ratas, Speaker of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia Inara Murniece, Speaker of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen and Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk.