Lithuania has handed over M113 armoured personnel carriers to Ukraine, as the country continues to defend itself against Russia’s attack.
The handover completes a shipment of Lithuanian assistance worth 15.5 million euros, the Lithuanian military said on June 16. It also includes 10 military trucks and 10 mine clearance off-road vehicles that reached Ukraine in early June.
“Lithuania supports Ukraine’s statehood and independence and seeks to assist Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression through various means, including military, financial, humanitarian and other means,” the armed forces’ statement reads.
The Lithuanian military is also training Ukrainian soldiers to use Western weaponry and providing them with opportunities to upgrade their skills.
So far, Lithuania has provided Ukraine with Stinger air defence systems, anti-tank weapons, armoured vests and helmets, 120mm mortars, small arms, ammunition, thermal imaging cameras, drones, anti-drones and surveillance radars.
All in all, Lithuania’s military assistance to Ukraine to date is worth around 115 million euros, according to the Ministry of Defence.
On June 15, Lithuanian Defence Minister Arvydas Anusauskas called on NATO allies to continue supplying arms to Ukraine, saying it was key to the country’s victory in its fight against the Russian invasion.
He made the remarks in Brussels during a meeting of the NATO Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
“Ukraine is fighting for the security of the whole region and we must work together with our allies to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible. Strong and sustained support and arms deliveries are key, if we want Ukraine to win,” Anusauskas was quoted in the ministry’s statement.
He also highlighted NATO’s role in demining Ukrainian territory and organising military training.
“Clearly, this war will require our long-term support, so we all should have a “commitment to Ukraine”,” the defence minister said.
The meeting of the NATO Ukraine Defense Contact Group was initiated by the United States, and it was also attended by representatives of Australia and Japan. The meeting took place ahead of a meeting of NATO defence ministers on June 15. (LRT/Business World Magazine)