In an unannounced visit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Lithuania to meet with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda. The two leaders discussed various topics, including the ongoing war with Russia, Ukrainian integration into the EU and NATO, and cooperation on electronic warfare and drones. The visit comes amid sustained Russian air strikes on Ukraine, which has resulted in a tragic start to the new year.

President Nauseda expressed his warm welcome to Zelensky, emphasizing the importance of their discussions on the war and Ukraine's integration into key international organizations. Zelensky highlighted the urgent need for modern air defense systems in Ukraine, stating that this was a critical area where his country lacked adequate capabilities.

During a press conference in Vilnius, Zelensky addressed the recent Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools, kindergartens, and electricity facilities, which took place during the holiday period. He expressed his condolences to the families of those affected and highlighted the resilience of Ukraine's defense forces in repelling a significant number of missile and drone strikes.

Zelensky's visit to Lithuania signifies the unwavering support that the Baltic states, including Lithuania, have shown to Ukraine. While support for Ukraine in Washington has been uncertain due to the divided Congress, Lithuania has stood firm in its commitment to aid Ukraine. Lithuania has committed approximately 1.4% of its GDP in assistance to Ukraine, making it one of Kyiv's strongest allies, second only to Norway, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.

This visit to Lithuania is part of Zelensky's broader itinerary, which includes visits to Latvia and Estonia. Zelensky is aiming to strengthen ties with the Baltic states and garner support for Ukraine's accession to NATO. However, US President Joe Biden has previously stated that NATO membership for Ukraine cannot be considered while the conflict with Russia continues.

Despite this, Ukraine has secured a streamlined path to future membership, with NATO Secretary Jens Stoltenberg announcing the removal of the Membership Action Plan requirement. This change will facilitate Ukraine's journey towards NATO membership.

Zelensky's previous visit to Lithuania was in 2023, where he attended the NATO summit and advocated for Ukraine's clear path to joining the alliance. During that visit, Zelensky received a warm welcome from the Lithuanian public, demonstrating their historical resentment towards Russia and their staunch support for Ukraine.

President Zelensky expressed his gratitude towards Lithuania for its unwavering support since 2014 and particularly during Russia's full-scale aggression. The visit to Lithuania serves as a reaffirmation of the strong bond between the two countries and their commitment to working together to address the challenges posed by Russian aggression in the region.