Denys Shmyhal: Lithuania ready to engage Ukraine in SAFE projects and implement them with Ukrainian companies

Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal held a meeting with a delegation of the Lithuanian Seimas headed by Speaker Juozas Olekas.

First and foremost, the Minister of Defence thanked the friendly people of Lithuania for their support and for all the assistance provided. He highlighted that Lithuania, one of Ukraine’s closest allies, was the first to allocate 0.25% of its GDP for military assistance.

“We are now calling on our other partners to follow this example,” said Denys Shmyhal.

During the discussion, the parties exchanged views on sharing experiences and technologies in the defence industry and explored opportunities to develop joint projects. The Minister of Defence expressed gratitude to Lithuania for announcing Ukraine’s participation in projects submitted under the SAFE mechanism and for Lithuania’s willingness to implement them jointly with Ukrainian companies. He conveyed particular appreciation for Lithuania’s involvement in the procurement of U.S. weapons through the PURL initiative.

Denys Shmyhal noted that Lithuania and other Baltic states are facing considerable pressure from the aggressor state, and Ukraine stands ready to share its experience to help protect its friends. Accordingly, the delegations discussed practical measures to counter hostile drones and to develop a sustainable defence system.

“The Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian Brigade could become a foundation for the cooperation of allied states and the exchange of military experience,” said Denys Shmyhal, highlighting its effectiveness.

He also expressed gratitude to Lithuania for its support of Ukraine’s path toward NATO membership and underscored that Ukraine values this commitment. 

According to the Minister, the discussion with Juozas Olekas reaffirmed the friendship between the two nations and their willingness to act together.