United to win: Lithuania sends Ukraine over 230 pickup trucks and 240 mine detectors to aid in demining efforts

Photo: Ministry of Defense

Maria Ignatenko

Lithuania donated 230 pickup trucks and 240 mine detectors to Ukraine's Defense Forces, and Ukraine's Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, attended the handover ceremony.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported that.

Rustem Umerov, along with Major General Oleksandr Yakovets, who heads the Administration of the State Special Transport Service, and Major General Dmytro Hereha, the Commander of the Support Forces, extended their gratitude to the people of Lithuania, the government, and Lithuanian volunteers for their involvement in the procurement of equipment.

^{Photo: Ministry of Defense}

The contribution of the Minister of National Defense of Lithuania, Laurynas Kasčiūnas, who handed over the equipment during his visit to Kyiv, was especially noted.

"This technique will significantly strengthen our sappers. Motor transport will be used for humanitarian demining to protect the lives of our citizens," Rustem Umerov said.

^{Photo: Ministry of Defense}

In addition, the aid package will increase the mobility of the demining teams, which clear areas daily to ensure the safe advancement of Ukrainian units.

"Our goal, together with our partners, is to achieve a just peace as soon as possible and end the aggressor's violence," the Minister of Defense of Ukraine emphasized.

^{Photo: Ministry of Defense}

It should be noted that on November 4, a meeting was held in Kyiv between the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, the Minister of Strategic Industries, Herman Smetanin, and the Lithuanian delegation led by the Minister of National Defense of Lithuania, Laurynas Kasčiūnas.

The parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which establishes cooperation between the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Lithuania, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation of Lithuania, and the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine.

Photo: Ministry of Defense

Photo: Ministry of Defense

Photo: Ministry of Defense

For reference:

Due to the Russian invasion and active hostilities, Ukraine is contaminated with explosive objects. Some analysts call the country the most mined in the world.

The area of the de-occupied territory contaminated by mines is now about 45,000 square kilometers. With the complete de-occupation of Ukraine's territory, it will increase by approximately 190,000 square kilometers.

The Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Lithuania, Arvydas Anušauskas, presented the updated concept of the "Demining Coalition" to the Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Yuriy Dzhyhyr, during his visit to Vilnius.

On September 28, Lithuania announced it would provide Ukraine with a preliminary military aid package. Lithuania has already assisted Ukraine with more than 683 million euros.

The Ministry of Defense of Lithuania also reminded that the country has allocated 35 million euros to the Czech initiative on ammunition for Ukraine and also stated that Vilnius has already developed a long-term plan to support Ukraine, which provides for the provision of a package of military aid in the amount of 200 million euros during 2024-2026.

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