Ukrainian President's Unannounced Visit to Lithuania, Plans to Visit Latvia and Estonia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Lithuania on Wednesday, January 10, and shared the news through his Twitter account. During his visit to Vilnius, he is scheduled to hold talks with President Gitanas Nauseda, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, and the Speaker of the Seimas, Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen.
Additionally, Zelensky plans to meet with local politicians, media representatives, and the Ukrainian community in Lithuania. He emphasized the agenda, including discussions on security, EU and NATO integration, cooperation in electronic warfare and drones, and continued coordination of European support. Zelensky expressed gratitude for unwavering support since 2014, especially during the full-scale Russian aggression.
After Vilnius, the President will travel to Tallinn and Riga. Both Latvia and Estonia confirmed their anticipation of the Ukrainian President's visit. The Chancery of the President of Latvia noted that discussions during Zelensky's visit would cover bilateral cooperation between Latvia and Ukraine, Latvia's continued support, and the collaboration of allies against Russian aggression, along with issues related to Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration.
It is expected that Zelensky will meet with Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, Prime Minister Evika Silina, and the Speaker of the Saeima, Daiga Mierina. This marks Zelensky's second visit to Latvia as Ukraine's president, the first taking place a few months after assuming office in 2019.
The Estonian President's press service also confirmed Zelensky's upcoming visit to Tallinn. The Ukrainian leader is set to meet with President Alar Karis, the Speaker of the State Duma Lauri Hussar, and Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. Zelensky will address the parliament and discuss measures to counter Russian aggression and the essential long-term, robust support for Ukraine.
It is worth noting that according to media reports, Zelensky plans to visit Switzerland next week. The Ukrainian leader is considering a visit to Bern on 15 January before his speech in Davos at the World Economic Forum (WEF), which takes place from 15 to 19 January.