Zelensky Makes Unannounced Visit to Lithuania

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the Lithuanian capital on Wednesday morning, Jan. 10.

Zelensky landed at Vilnius airport for an unexpected visit to the Baltic state, a key donor to the war-torn country, as other Kyiv allies waver on fresh aid. 

During his visit, the Ukrainian leader is scheduled to hold discussions with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Seimas.

He will also meet with representatives from political factions and the Ukrainian community.

“Security, EU and NATO integration, cooperation on electronic warfare and drones, and further coordination of European support are all on the agenda,” Zelensky mentioned on Twitter.

The Baltic tour marks Zelensky’s first official trip abroad this year, AFP reports.

The visit comes as other Kyiv allies waver on fresh aid, nearly two years into Russia’s invasion. 

Ukraine has come under intense Russian shelling in recent weeks, retaliating with strikes on Russia’s border city of Belgorod.

Zelensky has urged allies to keep military support flowing and held in-person talks with officials from the United States, Germany and Norway last month.

But an EU aid package worth 50 billion euros ($55 billion) has been stuck in Brussels following a veto by Hungary, while the US Congress remains divided on sending additional aid to Ukraine.

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are our reliable friends and principled partners.
 
Today, I arrived in Vilnius before going to Tallinn and Riga.
 
I will hold talks with the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Seimas, as well as meet with politicians, the media, and the…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 10, 2024

“But first and foremost, our gratitude. For the uncompromising support for Ukraine since 2014 and especially now, during Russia’s full-scale aggression,” he added.

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Following his visit to Lithuania, Zelensky is set to travel to Latvia and Estonia.