Minister of National Defence took part in the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting in Brussels

Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas attended the 33^rd meeting in the NATO Defence Contact Group held together with the NATO Defence Ministerial in Brussels. At the session, additional financial assistance to Ukraine opportunities and the country's most critical needs were discussed, as well as updates from the frontlines and peace negotiations.

"We hear the urgent needs of Ukraine. Lithuania's military assistance has already surpassed USD 1 billion and we have another USD 265 million earmarked for this year to be used in three priority areas: air defence, Ukrainian drones and long-range artillery ammunition," said Minister R. Kaunas at the session.

R. Kaunas also presented to the Ukraine Defence Contact Group Lithuania's commitment to further strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities. The MoD applies the so-called Lithuanian Model (direct bilateral investment in Ukraine's defence industry) to contribute USD 38 million so far for production of long-strike drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This year, additional USD 12 million are planned to be added for the matter. It is noteworthy, that USD 24 million more is earmarked for long-range strike and maritime drone acquisition from the localized Ukraine defence industry aiming to support localization of Ukraine's defence industry in Lithuania.

At the meeting Minister pointed out that Lithuania planned to join the Czech initiative with USD 33 million for production of two types of 155 mm artillery ammunition, including long-range strike-capable. USD 6 million more are earmarked for anti-tank mines. In total, Lithuania has rendered military assistance worth of USD 31 million since the start of this year, including power generators, gas tanks, drone neutralization systems and optics.

Also, Lithuania continues training and rehabilitation of Ukrainian military personnel in our country and effort with Iceland in the Demining Coalition. This year Lithuania plans contributing USD 35.5 million which will be used to purchase mine-proof tactical vehicles from Ukrainian manufacturers.