Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Vilnius, Lithuania.
The surprise visit to Lithuania will see Zelenskyy travel to Tallinn and Riga after Vilnius.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy called Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania “reliable friends and principled partners” to Ukraine.
He confirmed that while in Vilnius, he will hold talks with the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Seimas, as well as meet with politicians, the media, and the Ukrainian community.
“Security, EU and NATO integration, co-operation on electronic warfare and drones, and further coordination of European support are all on the agenda,” he added.
Gitanas Nausėda, Lithuania’s President noted that discussions with Zelenskyy will primarily focus on all issues that bring Ukraine closer to victory in the fight against Russian aggression.
The leaders intend to discuss the situation at the front, as well as the coordination of defense and financial support for Ukraine.
The leaders will also coordinate positions in preparation for the NATO Summit to be held in Washington in the summer of 2024.
Speaking at a news conference in Vilnius, the Ukrainian President said, “We have proven that Russia can be stopped,” adding, “Now we need to prove that we are capable of wresting a just peace.”
He made mention of the importance of Ukraine and Lithuania working together.
He said that it was necessary so that the two countries do “not become hostages of geography and will not allow Russia to destroy our and your statehood.”
“Together we must determine what decisions this year will bring us. These must be decisions in favour of our freedom,” he said.
He also expressed his desire to see action on Ukraine gaining NATO membership at this year’s NATO summit, adding that 2024 would become decisive for Ukraine and its allies.
Speaking on modern air defences, he called it his country’s largest deficiency.
Zelenskyy Says Russian Defence Industry Showing Clear Signs Of Slowdown
Prior to his trip to Vilnius, Zelenskyy stated in a video address that Russia’s defence industry appeared to be slowing down.
“There are clear signs of a slowdown in Russia’s defence industry,” Zelenskyy said.
He added, “But for the results of sanctions to be 100%, sanctions loopholes must also be blocked 100%.”
In his remarks, Zelenskyy said that a meeting of Ukrainian Commanders and ministerial officials had considered supplies of weapons and boosting domestic production.
Logistics, he said, “must be speeded up.”
Participants discussed air defences – often cited as Ukraine’s priority – a day after units destroyed 18 of 51 Russian missiles, a much lower shoot-down rate than normal. Authorities attributed that figure to the large number of ballistic missiles fired by Russia.
“We analysed separately and in detail the work of our air force, of forces defending our skies. The results of downing Russian missiles and drones. What we managed to do. And what we need to do.
“Despite all the problems in the world, our careful, clear approach to every need, to every opportunity, is able to provide the defence forces with everything they need.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy has already stated that Ukraine intends to produce a million drones in 2024.
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