At the turn of the year, Russia massively attacked Ukraine. Air defense systems were lacking, in particular, Ukrainian President Zelensky said during a visit to Lithuania. The Vilnius government is planning millions worth of military aid for Kiev.
Due to ongoing heavy Russian airstrikes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for more weapons aid for defense during his first visit abroad this year. “Air defense systems are number one among the things we lack,” he said in Lithuania after meeting his counterpart Gitanas Nauseda in Vilnius.
According to Zelensky, Russia fired at least 500 rockets, cruise missiles and drones at Ukraine during the New Year. 70% of them were intercepted, he said. However, according to Ukrainian information, there were dozens of deaths and injuries, as well as extensive damage in the country.
Zelensky: “Putin will not stop”
There are currently discussions in many countries about the extent and purpose of aid to Ukraine. In the US, the main supporter, the new aid is currently tied up in political disputes in Congress. Zelenskyy said in Vilnius that he felt no pressure from the allies to freeze the war on the existing front.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's rhetoric must be taken seriously; he wanted to completely occupy Ukraine. And if his country doesn't resist, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia or Moldova will be next at risk. Zelensky called for joint resistance against Putin: “He won't stop until we finish him off.”
Lithuania announces 200 million euros for military aid
Nauseda told journalists: “We know how tiring this protracted war is and we are interested in a complete victory for Ukraine as quickly as possible.” According to the Lithuanian president, the country approved a long-term military aid plan worth around 200 million euros. In his presence and Zelensky, several agreements were concluded by representatives of the defense industry of both countries.
After the unannounced visit to Lithuania, Zelenskyy also intends to travel to the neighboring Baltic countries of Latvia and Estonia in the coming days. According to his own statements, he wants to thank the three EU and NATO states for their “uncompromising support for Ukraine”.