Zelenskyy seeks stronger defense, peace talks support in Lithuania

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks in Vilnius on Sunday with Lithuanian leader Gitanas Nauseda, focusing on military cooperation and diplomatic pathways amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Ukrainian president announced the discussions would expand later in the day to include Polish representatives, emphasizing a unified regional approach to strengthening Ukraine.

Coordinating Military Support and Air Defense

A significant portion of the meeting addressed Ukraine's immediate defense requirements. Zelenskyy detailed Russia's intensified strikes on energy infrastructure, reporting over 1,700 drone attacks in the past week. He stressed the daily necessity for more air defense system missiles, calling for enhanced cooperation with American and European partners to protect Ukrainian skies. The leaders also reviewed specific joint defense projects, including a Lithuanian proposal to establish an arms export platform in Vilnius and cooperation within NATO's PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) and the EU's SAFE (Security Action for Europe) funding programs.

Diplomatic Efforts and Peace Consultations

Alongside military strategy, diplomatic initiatives formed a core part of the agenda. President Zelenskyy briefed his counterpart on the details of two days of consultations held in Abu Dhabi on Friday and Saturday, which involved Russian, Ukrainian, and US officials exploring potential peace settlements. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine continues to do everything possible to end the war, framing these diplomatic channels as among the most critical issues in current negotiations. The US administration has reportedly described the Abu Dhabi talks as productive, with territorial disputes remaining a primary challenge.

Strengthening Regional Partnerships

The visit to Lithuania underscores Ukraine's effort to maintain and deepen alliances with its staunchest regional supporters. Zelenskyy framed the meetings as essential for "coordinating with our partners in the region" to collectively bolster Ukraine's position. This diplomatic engagement in Vilnius follows a pattern of the Ukrainian president traveling to key allied capitals to secure sustained political, military, and financial backing for his nation's war effort and post-conflict vision.