Lithuania to finance the production of Ukrainian long-range drones

Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, conducted a working visit to Lithuania, where he engaged in a series of meetings with representatives from the government, parliament, and defense sector. 

During the visit, the Minister congratulated the partners on the 106th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Lithuania.

A key event during the visit was the signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministries of Defence of Ukraine and Lithuania. The document establishes a mechanism to support the Security and Defence Forces of Ukraine through investments in the Ukrainian defense industry.

“This is a long-term agreement, under which the first tranche of €10 million has already been agreed upon. Lithuania is allocating these funds for the production of Ukrainian long-range weapons, specifically for the ‘Palianytsia’ project,” Rustem Umerov noted.

This initiative creates new opportunities for attracting Lithuanian investments into Ukraine's defense industry and strengthens the strategic partnership between the two nations. 

According to the Minister, the Lithuanian side is in the final stages of completing the necessary procedures, and the initial tranche is expected to be transferred in the near future.

In addition to signing the Memorandum, the parties engaged in discussions regarding the priorities for defense cooperation in 2025. 

The key areas of cooperation include training and equipping Ukrainian brigades, providing ammunition and air defense systems, and the development of collaboration within the defense industry.

Rustem Umerov also engaged in discussions with the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, and members of the Seimas (Lithuanian Parliament) delegation. The Minister expressed gratitude to President Nausėda and the Lithuanian people for their leadership in addressing security challenges at the European level.

“I extend my gratitude to Lithuania for its comprehensive support, including financing and the provision of weapons, ammunition, and drones, as well as the training of Ukrainian military personnel and confidence in Ukrainian technologies,” Rustem Umerov said.

The Speaker of the Seimas, Saulius Skvernelis, and the Chairman of the Committee on National Security and Defence at the Seimas, Giedrimas Jeglinskas, reaffirmed Lithuania's steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine.

During the meetings, the parties agreed on joint measures to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities, including support for Ukrainian soldiers and advancing strategic cooperation between the two nations.