EU’s first Ukrainian center for displaced persons opens in Vilnius

The first Ukrainian center in the European Union for citizens who were forced to leave Ukraine opened in the Lithuanian capital.

The cultural center was created on the initiative of Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska and First Lady of Lithuania Diana Nausėdienė, the press service of the Head of State informs.

"When we planned the opening of this center with a colleague, let me say, with my friend and great friend of Ukraine Diana Nausėdienė, we wanted Ukrainians who were forced to come to Lithuania because of the war to have a truly native place. So that the center will be the place where it is possible to address on any matter – help or communication. To be able to study here, to spend leisure time, join a cultural event or educational course," said Zelenska at a video link from Kyiv.

The Ukrainian Center is expected to become a place of education, career guidance, psychological assistance, recreation for children, youth and adults. Here one can leave children for extracurricular activities, attend lectures, educational courses, or enjoy hobbies. The center will also be a platform for cultural diplomacy between countries, will present Ukraine, its culture and identity in Lithuania, will participate in academic activities, host creative meetings, concerts or other events.

"Together with our partners, we promised to actively cooperate and do everything possible to make Ukrainians feel safe in Lithuania, receive medical and social assistance, educational services and, most importantly, so that Ukrainians can nurture their culture and preserve the nation's vitality," said Diana Nausėdienė.

The premises for the center were provided by the Vytautas Magnus University. Algirdas Kumža, former Ambassador of Lithuania to Ukraine, signatory of the Lithuanian Act of Independence, became the head of the Ukrainian Center in Vilnius.

First Lady of Lithuania, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Lithuania Petro Beshta, and Rector of the Vytautas Magnus University Juozas Augutis cut a symbolic ribbon at the opening ceremony.

On February 24, the Russian Federation launched a new phase of the war against Ukraine – a full-scale invasion.

Since then, the Republic of Lithuania has welcomed more than 50,000 Ukrainians.