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On 11 January, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius met with the Ukrainian volunteers, who helped to defend the Seimas (Parliament) of Lithuania in January 1991 – Evgen Dykyj and Yuri Katrich. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister stressed that Lithuania remembered the solidarity that the people of Ukraine had demonstrated their solidarity 26 years ago, when they stood shoulder to shoulder with Lithuanians, fighting against the armed aggression in Vilnius. The Minister also expressed his strong support for the freedom and independence of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian representatives noted that the struggle for Lithuania’s freedom in 1991 had inspired Ukrainians, who were currently defending their country’s independence and territorial integrity against military aggression.

“We struggle for freedom on a daily basis, not only in the front ranks, but also when implementing reforms in our country, so that it could become a successful European state. We are grateful to Lithuania for its exceptional friendship and support,” said Dykyj.

The Ukrainian volunteers are attending the events on the Day of the Defenders of Freedom on 13 January in Vilnius. They will also take part in the TV show “Together Till Victory” at the Lithuanian National Radio and Television on 13 January to collect donations to help Ukrainian soldiers, their families, orphans and communities of war-damaged cities.

In 1991, the volunteer squad of Ukrainian students was the only foreign squad that defended the Seimas (Parliament) of Lithuania. The then student Evgen Dykyj, who is now Doctor of Natural Sciences, headed the squad. Dykyj participated in the events of Maidan in the summer of 2014. He led the Aidar volunteer battalion in eastern Ukraine. When Dykyj was wounded in Donbass, he returned from the front and is now a university professor; he also actively participates in social activities.

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