In a surprise move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy embarked on a tour of three Baltic states, starting with Lithuania, to address pressing issues concerning his country. The visit comes ahead of the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Zelenskiy took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to announce his arrival and outline his itinerary. Following Lithuania, he is set to visit Latvia and Estonia in the coming days. All three Baltic states are not only members of the European Union (EU) but also part of the NATO military alliance.
The key agenda for discussions during Zelenskiy’s tour includes security matters, Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO and the EU, cooperation in electronic warfare and drones, and the need for further coordination of European support for Ukraine.
Zelenskiy and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda are scheduled to engage in talks, with a joint press conference slated for 1125 GMT. The Ukrainian leader is also expected to deliver a public speech during his visit to Vilnius, a staunch supporter of Kyiv.
As Ukraine faces the growing possibility of a prolonged war, it has been actively seeking increased financial and military assistance from its Western allies. Zelenskiy’s discussions with Baltic leaders will center around the ongoing conflict, support for Ukraine, and the country’s integration into the EU and NATO.
President Nauseda’s office issued a statement highlighting the primary topics of discussion, emphasizing the importance of addressing the war in Ukraine and reinforcing support for the country’s aspirations towards EU and NATO membership. The visit underscores the collaborative efforts between Ukraine and its allies in navigating the complex geopolitical challenges posed by Russia’s aggression.
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