Ukraine proposed to ban air transit to Russia and Belarus as part of the international sanctions policy, aiming to limit the economic potential of Russia and increase sanctions pressure on the country. After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU and other countries had already banned Russian airlines from using their airspace and prohibited the export of aviation-related technology. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal discussed this proposal during his visit to Lithuania on April 5, following his visits to Estonia and Latvia earlier in the week. Lithuania has been a strong supporter of Ukraine against Russian aggression and has imposed entry restrictions on Russian citizens, in collaboration with Estonia, Latvia, and Poland.
During his visit to Vilnius, Ukraine’s Prime Minister announced that Lithuania would purchase 3,000 Lithuanian drones for Ukraine and allocate 15 million euros for rehabilitation programs for wounded Ukrainian soldiers. This support is part of Lithuania’s commitment to providing assistance to Ukraine, with a long-term 200 million euro support package pledged earlier this year. The two countries also discussed continuing cooperation in the defense sector, as well as issues related to sanctions, the confiscation of Russian assets, humanitarian aid, and Ukraine’s integration with the EU and NATO. The Kiel Institute of the World Economy has highlighted Lithuania’s defense contributions to Ukraine as being among the highest in the world in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) shares.
Lithuania’s staunch support for Ukraine against Russian aggression has been evident in its actions, including the imposition of entry restrictions on Russian citizens and its significant defense contributions. The country’s defense contributions, as recognized by the Kiel Institute of the World Economy, have been crucial in supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. The recent decision to purchase drones for Ukraine and allocate funds for the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers further demonstrates Lithuania’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its time of need. The collaboration between the two countries extends beyond defense support, encompassing discussions on sanctions, humanitarian aid, and Ukraine’s EU and NATO integration.
The ban on air transit to Russia and Belarus proposed by Ukraine is part of a broader international effort to increase sanctions pressure on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. This proposed ban aims to limit the economic potential of Russia and further isolate the country on the global stage. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal’s discussions with Lithuanian leaders highlighted the importance of cooperation in areas such as defense, sanctions, and humanitarian aid. Lithuania’s ongoing support for Ukraine, including the purchase of drones and allocation of funds for wounded soldiers, underscores the strong partnership between the two countries in the face of Russian aggression.
The commitment of Lithuania to supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression is reflected in its consistent actions and contributions to Ukraine’s defense efforts. The decision to purchase drones for Ukraine and allocate funds for the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers demonstrates Lithuania’s concrete support for Ukraine in the midst of the ongoing conflict. The collaboration between Ukraine and Lithuania extends to various areas, including defense, sanctions, and humanitarian aid, as they work together to address the challenges posed by Russian aggression. The proposed ban on air transit to Russia and Belarus is part of a broader effort to increase pressure on Russia and limit its economic activities in response to its invasion of Ukraine.
