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On 12 May, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys met in Vilnius with Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

On 12 May, the Minister of Foreign Affairs  Kęstutis Budrys met in Vilnius with Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

During the meeting, further support for Ukraine, the process of Ukraine's integration into the European Union, and pressure on the aggressor, Russia, and its accomplices were discussed.

Budrys stressed that Ukraine's security is a pan-European security issue; therefore, Lithuania will seek that support for Ukraine remains one of Europe's top priorities. According to the Minister, it is necessary to continue ensuring immediate military and financial support for Ukraine, strengthen its position to achieve a just peace, and consistently support Ukraine's integration into the European Union and the European security architecture. The Minister underlined that Ukraine's membership of the European Union is a prerequisite for European security and stability.

"Lithuania advocates for the EU to immediately open all six negotiating chapters for Ukraine and Moldova and set a clear date for Ukraine's EU membership by 2030. We continue to take a consistent position that accession talks with Ukraine must be started and conducted together with Moldova," the Minister said.

During the meeting, cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine in the field of defence and security was discussed, as well as in the development of joint production of armaments.

Budrys also strongly condemned Russia's threats against Kyiv and another mass attack on the Ukrainian capital and other cities tonight, stressing that Russia's actions clearly show that Russia is not seeking peace.

“The ceasefire cannot be a theatrical pause for the Kremlin propaganda or demonstration parades. They must be aimed at protecting civilians, meeting Ukraine's security needs and becoming a real step towards a just and lasting peace," the Minister said.

The Minister underlined that Lithuania consistently summons a Russian representative to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressing a strong protest against Russia's actions and recalling the obligation to comply with the norms of international law, and will do so again today.

The head of Lithuania's diplomacy stressed the need to increase pressure on Russia by immediately starting work on the EU's 21st package of sanctions, tightening restrictive measures in the energy and fertiliser sectors, and ensuring full accountability of the aggressor.

The meeting underlined that the territorial integrity of Ukraine must remain one of the fundamental principles of a just and lasting peace. Lithuania will never recognize the occupation and annexation of Ukrainian territories, either de jure or de facto, as enshrined in the Seimas resolution of 8 May 2025.