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Budrys in Ukraine: €1 billion for Ukraine’s defence industry – an investment in the security of the entire Europe

Budrys in Ukraine: €1 billion for Ukraine’s defence industry – an investment in the security of...

On 9 May, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, participated in the informal meeting of the EU foreign ministers in Lviv, Ukraine. In the plenary session with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, diplomatic and military support for Ukraine, strengthening sanctions against Russia, ensuring the aggressor's accountability, and the use of frozen Russian assets was discussed.

The head of Lithuania's diplomacy emphasized that, on the occasion of Europe Day in Ukraine, the EU must confirm its commitment to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and future in the EU with concrete decisions.

"There is no better place to be on Europe Day than Ukraine. The heart of Europe beats here, and every day there is a struggle to defend our secure future, based on shared values. Europe’s role in strengthening Ukraine in this fight is essential: our financial, military, and political support must be continued, increased, and sustained. I welcome the EU's decision to invest 1 billion euros in Ukraine's defence industry. This is an investment in European security, which we must continue to increase together – Ukraine’s defence industry is capable of receiving an additional 20 billion euros this year,” said the Minister.

Budrys announced that Lithuania's military support for Ukraine supplied from 2022 will surpass the value of 1 billion euros this year. New provision of support worth almost 5 million euros will be transferred to the  Demining Capability Coalition in the near future.

Ahead of the plenary session, the EU foreign ministers visited the Superhumans Center, a rehabilitation center in Ukraine for adults and children affected by Russian attacks. Ukrainian and EU ministers also paid tribute to fallen defenders of Ukraine at the Field of Mars of the Lychakiv Cemetery.