Lithuania will provide Ukraine with approximately 40 million euros military assistance in 2023.

Arvydas Anušauskas, Minister of Defense of Lithuania voiced this in an interview.

“For next year, assistance is planned in the amount of about 40 million euros,” said Arvydas Anušauskas.

It is planned to purchase new equipment similar to that produced in Lithuania, based on what Ukraine needs.

The Head of the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense did not wish to specify what kind of weapons could be transferred to Ukraine in the future.

“I won’t pre-announce, but maybe something similar to what we’ve already handed over,” Anušauskas said.

He refused to personally assess Lithuania’s contribution to the assistance provided to Ukraine, but noted that Ukrainians considered Vilnius’ assistance exceptional.

“Ukrainians say that the support of Lithuania was exactly the one that was needed. And especially in the initial period, we were the first to bring help at all, there were no others, and our help was sent to Ukraine on the second day of the war. Ukrainians, from the transfer of Stinger MANPADS to all other support, perceive the support of Lithuania as exceptional, as psychological, moral and strong support for Ukraine,” he said.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Lithuania has already provided 283 million euros in military assistance to Ukraine, Anušauskas said.

It includes both lethal and non-lethal aid:

• anti-aircraft missile systems;
• light infantry weapons;
• anti-tank weapons;
• mortars;
• machine guns;
• ammunition;
• armored personnel carriers;
• howitzers;
• drones;
• personal protective equipment;
• night vision devices.

Prior to this, it was reported that in Lithuania, the first mechanics of the Ukrainian army had completed training in maintaining the Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzer.

Besides, in 2023 Lithuania will strengthen military support for Ukraine, preparing even more Ukrainian military.