In the Lithuanian Republic, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska participated in an event organized as part of the campaign "Raising the Flag for Ukraine in NATO."

Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that there is a very noticeable progress in Europe in Vilnius, where people know what security is and how to achieve it.

"And they know that security — this is together with Ukraine. I am grateful to you, Vilnius, and all Lithuanian cities and communities for every call of support for Ukraine, for sheltering our people who are here in Lithuania, saved from the fighting. Thank you for your help to our defense, for your clear, honest, and — importantly — brave position regarding inviting Ukraine into NATO. Ukrainian flags on Lithuanian streets unequivocally prove: we are already allies, and Ukraine will defend both its own freedom and yours! And never, ever, no one can look to Moscow," — the Head of State stressed.

The President noted that the Ukrainian battle flag, which he will raise in Vilnius, was brought from the city of Bakhmut, where one of the most decisive battles for freedom in Europe is taking place, and this is how our children and grandchildren will remember it.

"This our battle flag from Bakhmut means that Lithuanians will never again have to fight Russian soldiers under Vilkaviskis TV tower or anywhere else in your capital, your country! Lithuania will always be yours only! This our flag means there will never again be deportations from the Baltic countries to Siberia. There will never again be partitions of Poland and humiliation by oppressors of Hungary. There will never again be tanks in Prague and 'winter wars' against Finland's freedom... No more occupations in Europe!" — Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized.

According to the President, our battle flag, even though it is pierced by bullets, is alive, proud, and free, which means that every flag of European countries will be alive, proud, and free as well.

"There, in the ruins of Bakhmut, on other battlefields in Ukraine, Russian imperial ambitions will remain shattered. And not Ukraine or anyone else in our Europe, but they, Russian imperial ambitions, will be in ruins," — the Head of State stressed.

He noted that he believes in the decision of Ukraine's partners which will make NATO strong and resolute.

"I would like this belief to become certainty — certainty in decisions we deserve — all of us deserve — and which every one of our soldiers, every citizen, every mother, every child expects. Is that too great a wish? NATO will give Ukraine security. Ukraine will make the Alliance stronger," — Volodymyr Zelensky said.