During his visit to Lithuania on April 11, President Volodymyr Zelensky met with his Czech and Romanian counterparts, Petr Pavel and Klaus Iohannis, respectively. Zelensky attended the Three Seas Summit, a forum of 13 European Union states aimed at providing regional dialogue on economic and infrastructure issues. At the summit, Zelensky discussed military support for Ukraine and strengthening defense industry cooperation with Pavel. He also briefed him on the situation on the front line in Ukraine and the country’s need for energy equipment. Pavel thanked the Czech Republic for its support and military assistance to Ukraine, including a recent initiative to secure artillery shells for the Ukrainian armed forces.
Zelensky also met with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis during his visit to Lithuania. They discussed Russia’s attack on the Dnister Hydroelectric Power Plant in Chernivtsi Oblast and the possible threats to Ukraine and Moldova. The two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation between their countries, particularly in infrastructure and logistics routes on the common border. Zelensky expressed gratitude for Romania’s support in the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products, highlighting the contribution their partnership makes to global food security.
The Czech-led initiative to secure critically-needed artillery shells for Ukraine’s armed forces lacked the necessary funds, according to Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur. Despite efforts to secure funds, the initiative still faced challenges in purchasing the artillery shells. Zelensky and Pavel discussed a long-term bilateral security agreement between Ukraine and the Czech Republic, based on a pledge made by the Group of Seven (G7) to bolster Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian aggression. This agreement was part of Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities and increase cooperation with its European partners.
Zelensky’s meetings with Pavel and Iohannis highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing security threats and supporting Ukraine in its defense efforts. The discussions focused on military support, defense industry cooperation, and infrastructure development along the borders of Ukraine and its neighboring countries. The agreements signed between Ukraine and its European partners aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian aggression and improve its security capabilities. In addition, the partnerships between Ukraine, the Czech Republic, and Romania demonstrated a commitment to supporting each other in times of need.
The Three Seas Initiative provided a platform for Zelensky to engage with European leaders and discuss key issues affecting Ukraine’s security and infrastructure development. The discussions at the summit emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing common challenges and promoting economic growth. Zelensky’s participation in the summit highlighted Ukraine’s commitment to working with its European partners to strengthen its capabilities and address security threats in the region. The agreements signed during the meetings with Pavel and Iohannis further solidified Ukraine’s partnerships with its allies and demonstrated a united front against external threats.
Overall, Zelensky’s visit to Lithuania and his meetings with Czech and Romanian leaders underscored the importance of international cooperation in supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts and addressing security threats in the region. The discussions focused on military support, defense industry cooperation, and infrastructure development, highlighting the shared commitment to enhancing Ukraine’s security capabilities. The agreements signed during the visit aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s partnerships with its European allies and promoting regional stability. Zelensky’s engagement in the Three Seas Initiative demonstrated Ukraine’s commitment to working with its neighbors to address common challenges and promote economic growth in the region.
