K. Vaitiekūnas in Kyiv: It is our duty to be with the people of Ukraine at their most difficult time

Minister of Finance Kristupas Vaitiekūnas paid a working visit to Kyiv (Ukraine), where he met with Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko, Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine Andriy Pyšnyy and Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka. During the visit, the issues of ensuring Ukraine's financial stability in the context of the war, international financial support, cooperation in the defence industry and Ukraine's integration into the European Union were discussed.

According to Vaitiekūnas, Ukraine, despite a full-scale war, lasting almost five years, managed to stabilize the financial system, contain inflation and maintain a functioning economy. The Lithuanian delegation was interested in Ukraine's experience in managing public finances in extreme conditions and strengthening the banking sector according to European standards.

"Russia is deliberately destroying Ukraine's energy infrastructure, combining attacks with the worst frosts to leave people without heat and electricity. However, even in the face of war and constant weather alarms, the country demonstrates exceptional resilience. Meanwhile, Ukraine's ability to maintain financial stability is an experience from which we can and must learn", Minister of Finance K. Vaitiekūnas stated.

During the visit, Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas also emphasized the necessity to strengthen defence industry ties between Lithuania and Ukraine and to use Ukraine's technological experience. According to him, the Lithuanian defence industry is expanding, but in order for the state to further strengthen the defence industry, it is important to attract Ukrainian manufacturers and experts.

The Minister of Finance noted that projects related to long-range drones, mines and other modern military equipment, which Ukrainian industry developed intensively during the war and which could be produced in Lithuania both for the country's needs and for exports, are particularly relevant. He also stressed that Lithuania could initially develop component manufacturing in order to create a business basis for further production.

During the visit, the delegation visited Irpin, where the kindergarten Rūta was rebuilt with Lithuanian funds. It is one of the largest community education facilities severely affected by the Russian attacks. Within a year, a modern, safe and child-friendly educational institution was restored and became a symbol of cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine, allowing hundreds of children to return to the renovated premises.

The Minister also visited the office of the Central Project Management Agency (CPMA) in Kyiv. The CPMA has been implementing strategic projects in Ukraine since 2017, including the reconstruction and modernisation of schools and kindergartens, the installation of dual-purpose shelters near educational institutions, the installation of alternative energy solutions on public buildings, the renovation of rehabilitation centres for war veterans and civilians, demining and energy resilience projects, and institution building necessary to prepare for membership of the European Union.
"Our cooperation with Ukraine is not an investment, it is a friendship. Lithuania has been, is and will be with Ukraine for as long as it takes, and practical help in rebuilding the country is proof of our solidarity," Vaitiekūnas said.

This was the first visit of Minister of Finance Kristupas Vaitiekūnas to Kyiv. The visit reaffirmed Lithuania's commitment to consistently support Ukraine and to develop long-term partnerships in the areas of both finance and reconstruction and security.