Lithuania plans to transfer €50 million in aid to Ukraine by end of year
Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas (Getty Images)
Lithuania plans to provide Ukraine with additional assistance worth 40-50 million euros by the end of this year. So far, Vilnius has sent 153 million euros in aid to Kyiv in 2024, according to Lithuania’s Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas.
As part of its ongoing support, Lithuania intends to invest 10 million euros in the production of the Palyanytsya missile drone complex within Ukraine, and will also provide radars, demining equipment, and short-range air defense systems.
"We are looking for short-range air defense systems on the market that can be purchased and transferred. In this case, there will be no need to use our own resources," Kasčiūnas said.
The core principles of Lithuania’s support for Ukraine, according to him, include minimizing the use of Lithuania's military resources with subsequent compensation, addressing Ukraine's future needs, and fostering the development of Lithuania's defense industry.
One example of this cooperation is the production of Lithuanian drones, which are undergoing testing at ranges in Ukraine. Following the tests, five out of six Lithuanian companies have successfully secured contracts to supply drones to Ukraine.
Lithuania continues to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and is committed to annually allocating at least 0.25% of its GDP—approximately 190 million euros—for military aid. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Lithuania has provided Ukraine with aid equivalent to 2% of its GDP.
Lithuania's assistance to Ukraine
Lithuania has been actively supporting Ukraine in its fight for independence. Vilnius provides significant military assistance, including weapons, ammunition, and air defense systems.
In addition, Lithuania is offering humanitarian aid, taking in refugees, and providing temporary shelter, as well as sending humanitarian shipments with food, medicine, and clothing.
Lithuania is also involved in rebuilding Ukrainian infrastructure and training Ukrainian soldiers.
During a visit to Kyiv in August, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė announced that Vilnius plans to transfer more than 5,000 drones to Ukraine by the end of autumn.
Earlier, in June, Lithuania provided Ukraine with 14 M113 armored personnel carriers as part of a demining coalition.
