Deividas Matulionis

In my meeting with President @ZelenskyyUa in Dublin, I stressed the need to turn our commitments into results. The Drone Deal signed between Lithuania and Ukraine in May now must turn into concrete military capabilities for Ukraine and Allied countries.   🇱🇹 suggests massive investment, both national and funded by the EU in the development of drone capabilities. It is time to act. We must prevail in the defense industry. 🇱🇹 is committed to providing 0.25% of GDP annually in military support of Ukraine. The EU must ensure predictable, long-term financing for Ukraine, including through the proposed €100 billion Ukraine Reserve in the next MFF.

Dear President Valdas Adamkus, Your life and service are inseparable from the history of Lithuania’s restoration. Thank you for your unwavering love for our homeland, your dedication to Lithuania, and your example of politics as a noble service. Happy 100th birthday! Wishing you health, light and joy! 🇱🇹

A warm conversation with German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Europe’s challenges. We discussed European security, continued support for Ukraine and the future of our strong bilateral relationship. Germany’s commitment to Lithuania’s security is a powerful expression of our strategic partnership and a vital contribution to NATO’s eastern flank,

Today, I observed “Thunder of Perkūnas 26”, the largest military exercise of the year. During the exercise, the Lithuanian Armed Forces train to carry out tasks set out in national defense plans in coordination with NATO forces, the Ministry of the Interior, and other agencies. Joint operations with NATO are a particularly important element of the exercise. We are not alone — the deployment of U.S. and German military units in Lithuania is clear evidence of that. These joint exercises further strengthen our readiness to defend ourselves together, if necessary, and to protect the freedom and values we all share.

Celebrating Baltic unity at the UN General Assembly in New York. Warm greetings to all our Latvian brothers and sisters on Baltic Unity Day! Vakar sirsnīgi sveicu prezidentu @edgarsrinkevics dzimšanas dienā. Šodien sveicu visus mūsu braliņus un māsiņas Baltu vienības dienā!

Today, I had the opportunity to visit the FI @group_patria armoured vehicle factory. Lithuania has decided to acquire 936 Patria armoured personnel carriers by 2034. This means that in the coming years, Lithuania will become Patria’s largest customer. I hope this decision will also encourage the localisation of Patria vehicle manufacturing, maintenance and overhaul operations in LT.

I am in close touch with @bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz. I have assured him that Lithuania stands in full solidarity with its strategic partner Germany after the Russian hybrid attack in Leipzig. The strong measures taken by the German government show: Hybrid action against any one of us will be met with a clear response. Anyone who attacks us will pay a price. Our commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s aggression is unshakeable. We will continue our support for as long as it takes to achieve a just and lasting peace.

A timely and productive meeting in Berlin with 🇩🇪@bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz ahead of the NATO Summit in Ankara. Joining us were 🇱🇻 President @edgarsrinkevics and 🇪🇪Prime Minister @KristenMichalPM. Preserving transatlantic unity must remain our highest priority, as it is the cornerstone of our collective security and defense. My message to the Ankara Summit: 🇱🇹 is allocating 7% of GDP to security and defense.

An important international football event — also in Vilnius! The traditional charity tournament, the Ambassadors’ Cup, has brought together 20 teams representing countries from around the world — united by a shared responsibility for future generations. I warmly thank the organisers — the charity foundation Help Street Children, @PLinLithuania, all the participating embassies, and everyone contributing to broadening children’s access to sport and mass participation.

Warm meeting with @Hoffmann_MdB, Chairman of the CSU Parliamentary Group in the German Bundestag. 🇱🇹 and 🇩🇪 are strategic partners and close allies whose relationship continues to grow stronger. We are grateful to Germany for its long-standing commitment to the security of Lithuania and the entire region. Germany’s role in safeguarding peace in Europe, especially on NATO’s eastern flank, is exceptional. We are intensively preparing for the permanent deployment of the German brigade in Lithuania in 2027. I am pleased that our commitments are being fulfilled ahead of schedule.

Spoke with President of Latvia @edgarsrinkevics and President of Estonia @AlarKaris about the growing number of drone incidents in the Baltic region, Russia’s disinformation campaign against our countries, and the need to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank air defense. We stand in full solidarity with Latvia – Russia’s baseless accusations and attempts to divert the attention of the international community from its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine have failed. We highly value NATO Allies’ support in protecting Baltic airspace and will continue working together to further strengthen air defense and counter-drone capabilities in our region. 🇱🇹🇱🇻🇪🇪

Together with H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, visited Mickūnai, where Lithuania’s defense innovation ecosystem and support initiatives for Ukraine were presented. Government institutions, businesses, the financial sector, NGOs, and volunteers are working together to strengthen our security. Lithuania continues to invest in defense innovation, expand its defense industry and support Ukraine with practical solutions that save lives on the battlefield.

America’s troops have been, are, and remain side by side with us. 🇱🇹🇺🇸

Received the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, @Kyrylo_Budanov. We discussed cooperation in the defense industry, regional security, and the situation on the front line. Lithuania supports - and will continue to support - Ukraine in all areas. Today, we must think not only about the prospects for peace, but also, together with our NATO and EU partners, collectively make the decisions necessary to ensure that Ukraine receives all the support it needs.