Lithuanian Defense Ministry preparing new aid package for Ukraine

Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas has said at a meeting with Ukraine's First Deputy Defense Minister, Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavlyuk, who arrived in Lithuania, that a new aid package for Ukraine is being prepared.

That's according to a statement posted on the website of the Lithuanian Defense Ministry, Ukrinform reports.

"The lessons learned in Ukraine help us develop our military capabilities in a purposive manner. We also strongly stand by the position to support Ukraine in every way we can as the next assistance package is already in the making," Anusauskas said.

He also added that Lithuania was actively preparing for the NATO Summit in Vilnius in July where NATO membership prospects for Ukraine will be placed among the other critical agenda points.

So far, Lithuania has sent nearly EUR 409 million worth of military assistance to Ukraine and the next package of assistance is being formed already. A significant part of Lithuania's support to Ukraine is training assistance. About 1,600 Ukrainian troops are expected to undergo training this year. Lithuanian military instructors are providing the assistance both at the national level and via international efforts – the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) and Operation Interflex. It is also planned to deliver demining courses in Lithuania in cooperation with the Nordic countries.

According to the report, Lieutenant General Pavlyuk arrived in Lithuania to share the lessons learned while integrating paramilitary organizations into the Ukrainian Armed Forces.