Audra Plepytė paid a working visit to Kyiv
On 26–27 November 2025, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Audra Plepytė paid a working visit to Kyiv, where she took part in bilateral political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, met with representatives of the Ukrainian government, opened the inaugural event of the Ukrainian Civil Protection Shelters Coalition, and participated in other meetings.
During the bilateral political consultations with Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yevhen Perebyinis, the parties discussed issues on the bilateral and international agenda: Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and international efforts to achieve peace, mobilization of international partners to strengthen Ukraine’s position with sustainable security guarantees, as well as Russia’s pressure measures. The meeting devoted significant attention to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of defence and security.
Lithuania firmly supports Ukraine’s fight for freedom
“Lithuania firmly supports Ukraine’s fight for freedom and the principles of international law, as well as Ukraine’s aspiration to join the European Union as soon as possible. We must strengthen the international isolation of Russia as the aggressor and restrict its ability to continue the war, while constantly expanding comprehensive assistance to Ukraine so that victory can be achieved and long-term, sustainable peace ensured,” said Vice-Minister A. Plepytė.
During the visit, the Vice-Minister and Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister responsible for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, Taras Kachka, discussed the progress of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations and support for Ukraine along this path. In her meetings with Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President, and Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsya, she discussed the latest developments related to the “peace negotiations” process. With Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa, she talked about cooperation in international organizations and humanitarian issues. With Deputy Defence Minister Anatolii Kutsevol, she discussed Ukraine’s security and defence challenges.
Launch of the Ukrainian Civil Protection Shelters Coalition
During the visit, the Vice-Minister, together with representatives of Ukraine and “Team Europe” partners—Finland, Belgium, Ireland, and Sweden—officially announced the launch of the Ukrainian Civil Protection Shelters Coalition. This new initiative aims to help Ukraine establish a modern, nationwide civil protection network and protect civilians from daily rocket and drone attacks. The EU, together with coalition members, announced plans to allocate up to EUR 22 million for this initiative. International financial institutions—such as the European Investment Bank and the World Bank—are also joining and planning to contribute financially. Lithuania, as one of the main implementing partners through the Central Project Management Agency, will carry out EU-funded construction and reconstruction projects together with Belgium.
Investments in dual-use shelters
“Investments in dual-use shelters will help Ukrainian children return to schools, ensure uninterrupted operation of healthcare facilities, and create safe community spaces, especially in regions closest to the front line. In times of peace, these spaces will serve as recreational and gathering areas. The fact that Lithuania has become an implementing partner of this coalition is a significant national achievement,” the Vice-Minister emphasized.
This is A. Plepytė’s first working visit to Ukraine in her capacity as Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Lietuvosvalstybe.com
Sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania
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