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Ukraine Once Again Receives a Batch of Air Defense from Lithuania.
Lithuania announced on January 30, 2025, the delivery of mobile short-range air defense systems and missiles to Ukraine, once again underscoring its commitment to supporting Kyiv. These systems, referred to as “man-portable” (carried by a single soldier) and designed to take down low-flying targets, will be a major boost in countering drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft. This delivery reaffirms Lithuania’s position as one of Ukraine’s most engaged European partners since the conflict began in February 2022.
Image of Lithuanian delivery to Ukraine. (Picture source: Lithuanian MoD)
The Lithuanian government has also indicated that this year’s military aid will focus primarily on air defense, the supply of ammunition, drones, and jamming equipment. In parallel, Vilnius intends to strengthen its national defense industry while supporting the development of weapons production directly in Ukraine, thus helping to consolidate Kyiv’s defensive capabilities over the long term. Lithuanian officials have recalled that their country, having been a NATO member since 2004 and a direct neighbor of Russia in northeastern Europe, feels directly concerned by the region’s security issues and intends to take concrete action to help Ukraine.
Among other areas of assistance, Lithuania will continue to contribute to the demining coalition it leads jointly with Iceland. According to statements from the Lithuanian and Icelandic ministries, this coalition plans to provide funding and technical resources for removing mines and unexploded ordnance, which pose a permanent threat to both civilians and military personnel in conflict zones. Similar initiatives to support the Ukrainian armed forces—through training, medical rehabilitation for wounded soldiers, and the provision of equipment—will continue to be funded by Lithuania through international funds and multilateral agreements.
This dynamic is part of an unwavering commitment. Since the start of the war, the Baltic state has supplied Ukraine with an estimated 767 million euros in military aid, and its overall support for Kyiv, encompassing military, financial, and humanitarian aspects, has already exceeded 1.5 billion euros. It is worth highlighting that this substantial investment places Lithuania among the most active European nations assisting Ukraine in terms of equipment deliveries and comprehensive support (medical care, troop training, and demining). Experts in international relations, cited in the press in Vilnius and Kyiv, note that this Lithuanian momentum demonstrates both genuine empathy for the Ukrainian cause and a keen awareness of the security risks facing the region.
By bolstering Ukraine’s air defense and participating in specialized coalitions, Vilnius aims to help Kyiv more effectively defend its key infrastructure, positions on the ground, and civilian population. Lithuanian authorities regularly emphasize that Ukraine’s resistance to Russian aggression is crucial for the stability of Eastern Europe. In this context, the recent deliveries of short-range air defense systems and missiles send a strong message from Lithuania: it remains determined to support its Ukrainian partner militarily and logistically while encouraging other NATO and European Union member states to adopt a similarly supportive stance.