The Republic of Lithuania is studying Ukraine's expertise in organizing mobilization, recruitment, and training of military personnel during wartime.

This topic was discussed during a meeting between representatives of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and a delegation from the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

During the discussion, the Deputy Minister of Defence, Brigadier General of Justice Serhii Melnyk, highlighted the significance of the cooperation between Ukraine and Lithuania, expressing gratitude for Lithuania's unwavering support to Ukraine since the start of russia's full-scale invasion.

“We are grateful to the people of Lithuania for the unwavering support they have been providing to Ukraine since the beginning of russia's full-scale invasion. For our part, we are willing to share our best practices to prevent this dark war from spreading beyond the borders of your country and into the European Union.

The Ukrainian representatives briefed their counterparts about the reforms in mobilization and recruitment processes, including the establishment of 44 recruitment centers across most regions of Ukraine, where citizens can now apply for voluntary military service under contract.

The parties also discussed this year's innovations aimed at strengthening defense capabilities, such as the possibility of direct recruitment to specific military units and the introduction of basic military service starting in 2025, replacing the current mandatory conscription.

Arūnas Balčiūnas, Head of the Military Conscription and Recruitment Service of the Lithuanian Army, emphasized that it is important for Lithuania, which also borders russia, to learn from Ukraine's experience gained during almost a thousand days of war.

“Lithuania also borders the russian federation, so we are interested in the experience that Ukraine gained during almost a thousand days of resistance. When war replaces peacetime, everything changes very quickly. And it is crucial for the military, entrusted with safeguarding the state, to be prepared for these rapid changes,” says Arūnas Balčiūnas.

During the meeting, the Lithuanian delegation shared its initiatives for organizing registers of citizens liable for military service and notifying them for duty, which became a key topic for exchanging experiences between the two countries.

The parties also agreed to continue their cooperation in strengthening both countries' defense capabilities and national security, drawing on best practices and innovations.