Delegation from the Mechnikov Hospital in Dnipro, Ukraine, led by the hospital’s general director, visited the Presidential Palace

On Wednesday, a delegation from Mechnikov Hospital in Dnipro, Ukraine, led by the hospital's General Director, Mr. Serhiy Ryzhenko, paid a visit to the Presidential Palace.

During the meeting, discussions focused on the hospital's experience in organizing its activities under wartime conditions and in response to a significant increase in the number of injured soldiers and civilians. The participants also addressed Lithuania's assistance to Ukraine in the medical and other fields, as well as efforts to strengthen the preparedness of Lithuania's healthcare system.

"We would like to thank you and other Ukrainian institutions for your assistance and for sharing your experience with representatives of our country's healthcare sector. This experience is invaluable in preparing for unforeseen or complex situations. We sincerely hope that we will not need to apply it, but we must be prepared, and this is precisely what we are working on," said Mr. Petras Zapolskas, Chancellor of the Office of the President.

Mr. Deividas Matulionis, Senior Advisor to the President and Head of the National Security Group, emphasized that Lithuania is currently focusing its international efforts on securing approval for a reparations loan for Ukraine and on accelerating Ukraine's smooth accession to the European Union.

According to Mr. Matulionis, Lithuania's commitments to Ukraine remain firm and unwavering. In 2026, Lithuania will continue to provide consistent and strong financial and military support, allocating 0.25% of its GDP to military assistance. According to the Senior Advisor, this support will ensure Lithuania's long-term and targeted political and practical contribution to Ukraine's fight for freedom and territorial integrity, while also strengthening the security of Europe as a whole.

Ms. Skirmantė Straigienė, Advisor to the President, presented the activities and future prospects of the Ukrainian Center, which was opened in Vilnius in June 2022 on the initiative of the First Ladies of Lithuania and Ukraine, Mrs. Diana Nausėdienė and Mrs. Olena Zelenska. She also highlighted other activities of Mrs. Diana Nausėdienė in the social and humanitarian fields.

The Mechnikov Hospital in Dnipro is the main civilian hospital with which Lithuania cooperates in organizing internships for Lithuanian doctors in Ukraine. To date, six teams of Lithuanian doctors have visited and worked at the hospital, and one team of doctors and nurses is currently working there.

Since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Lithuania has continuously contributed to humanitarian assistance by providing medical supplies and equipment, medicines, personal protective equipment, and other essential items. The total value of Lithuania's humanitarian aid to Ukraine has exceeded €7 million.

Lithuania has also provided wounded Ukrainian soldiers with the opportunity to undergo rehabilitation in Lithuania. Since the outbreak of the war, rehabilitation services have been provided to 311 Ukrainian soldiers. Civilians who have fled the war and settled in Lithuania are also provided with access to all necessary healthcare services.

In Ukraine, Lithuania has initiated a rehabilitation and reintegration program for wounded and war-affected persons, allocating €15 million to the initiative. These funds are dedicated to restoring infrastructure and introducing innovative, comprehensive medical and mental health rehabilitation services in rehabilitation centers in Dnipro, Lviv, and Zhytomyr.