Zelensky brings battle flag from Bakhmut to Vilnius

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has brought to Vilnius the battle flag of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade "Edelweiss," which is fighting near Bakhmut, stating that this is one of the decisive battles for freedom in Europe.

Zelensky said this in a speech in Vilnius at a rally in support of Ukraine's movement towards NATO, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"Bakhmut is one of the most decisive battles for freedom in Europe, and this is how our children and grandchildren will remember it. Our battle flag from Bakhmut means that never again will the Lithuanians have to fight against Russian soldiers either near the Vilnius TV tower or anywhere else in your capital, in your country! Lithuania will always be only yours! This flag of ours means that there will never again be deportations from the Baltic countries to Siberia. Never again will there be the divisions of Poland and the humiliation of Hungary by invaders. There will never be tanks again in Prague and 'winter wars' against the freedom of Finland... There will be no more occupations in Europe!" Zelensky said.

The head of state presented the flag to the Lithuanian capital.

Read also: Zelensky in Vilnius: NATO will give Ukraine security, Ukraine will make NATO stronger

Zelensky also expressed his gratitude to Lithuania on his Twitter account.

"Here in Vilnius, we see the progress of Europe. People here know what security is and how to achieve it. And they know that security means being together with Ukraine. I am grateful to you, Vilnius, and to all Lithuanian cities and communities for every call in support of Ukraine, for sheltering our people who have taken refuge in Lithuania from hostilities... Thank you!" he wrote.

Zelensky thanked Lithuania for its help to Ukraine's defense and for the country's clear, honest and courageous position on inviting Ukraine to NATO.

"Ukrainian flags on Lithuanian streets clearly prove that we are already allies, and Ukraine will defend both its own and your freedom! And no one should ever, ever look back to Moscow!" he said.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine