Ukraine and Lithuania have signed a bilateral agreement to expand defense cooperation, focusing on drone technology and military innovation, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
The agreement, concluded during a meeting with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda on Wednesday, is part of the so‑called “Drone Deal” framework aimed at strengthening both countries’ defense capabilities.
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“The agreement should strengthen both our countries in defense, and it is important that it is built on the principle of reciprocity: we support our partners who really and tangibly support our protection,” Zelensky said in a statement posted on Telegram.
Zelensky said Ukrainian military experts will work in Lithuania to help develop modern security capabilities, particularly to counter emerging threats and enhance regional defense.
“We have common challenges, and we need to overcome them together,” he said.
According to Ukraine’s presidential office, the agreement opens new opportunities for joint production, technology transfer, and defense manufacturing between Ukrainian and Lithuanian companies.
The cooperation is expected to cover key areas including air and missile defense systems, unmanned platforms, and advanced drone technologies. Plans also include the possibility of localizing drone production in Lithuania, including long‑range strike and interception systems.
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The leaders discussed regional security risks, including potential threats from Belarus, as well as broader European defense coordination.
Earlier, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced rotational mobilization and intensified combat training to prepare the military for possible war, citing the need for readiness for a “ground operation.”
In April, Belarus also issued a decree calling up reserve officers, having in March launched conscription for compulsory military service of men aged 18–27.
Amid these reports, Zelensky thanked Lithuania for its continued support and reiterated the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s defense amid ongoing Russian attacks.
He also praised Lithuania’s backing of Ukraine’s European integration, calling for the opening of all six negotiation clusters between Kyiv and the EU.
The agreement comes as Ukraine seeks to expand partnerships with European countries through similar bilateral initiatives.