Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda travelled to Kyiv on Sunday for Ukraine's National Flag Day, telling the country that only a Ukrainian victory can bring lasting peace and stability to Europe, as Ukraine marked the 35th anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union on Monday.
“I believe that we will soon be able to celebrate victory over darkness together. A victory that will belong not only to Ukraine but to the whole of free Europe,” Nausėda said, pledging that Lithuania would continue to support Ukraine, refuse to recognise the occupation of its territories, and increase pressure on Russia and its allies.
He also promised that Lithuania would help rebuild destroyed schools, hospitals and power plants once the war ends, and would continue backing Ukraine’s bids to join the EU and NATO.
The ceremony was also attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and leaders from the Nordic and Baltic states. Over the following two days, Nausėda is due to take part in events marking the independence anniversary and a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing – a grouping of countries providing military support to Ukraine – as well as hold separate talks with Zelensky.
Lithuania’s first lady, Diana Nausėdienė, is following a parallel programme focused on social resilience and the war’s impact on civilians, including a summit of first ladies and gentlemen organised by her Ukrainian counterpart.
