"We support you and we will continue to do so until the Victory", - the Ministers of the Interior of the Baltic States during the meeting with Ihor Klymenko
Ihor Klymenko, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, met with the Ministers of the Interior of the Baltic States - Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia - in Lviv.
One of the main points of discussions covered the issue of security amid the growing number of hostile attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure in Ukraine. The parties also discussed the issues of Ukraine's landmine pollution, border security, creation of a safe educational environment, migration and arms trafficking control.
"We are happy to welcome you to Ukraine after a fruitful and substantive meeting in Vilnius. You are true friends of Ukraine, for you have been supporting us throughout these years and you stand ready to continue to do so. You have our gratitude for your moral, financial and technical support. Today, Ukraine is resilient, in part, owing to your assistance," said Ihor Klymenko.
In the course of the meeting, with the help of VR glasses, the partners were able to see the consequences of the russian army's invasion of Ukraine, including the cities of Bakhmut, Izium and Bucha destroyed by the enemy.
" First and foremost, we are here to send you a clear message - we will be there for you until your victory. This is a great opportunity to see with our own eyes everything that is happening in your country, including the crimes of the russian army in your once peaceful towns and villages. Please be assured that we support you and stand by your side as you fight for our common values," said Agnė Bilotaitė, the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania.
The head of the Lithuanian Ministry of the Interior noted that her country is currently ready to provide 400,000 euros for the procurement of metal detectors for educational institutions, as well as to help with the rehabilitation of the Ukrainian soldiers.
During the meeting, Ihor Klymenko also informed his partners about the infrastructure facilities destroyed by the russian army, including the buildings of the National Police of Ukraine. In particular, he invited the Baltic Ministers of the Interior to join pilot projects to restore the Ukrainian police stations in Makariv and Kryvyi Rih.
"We will put in every effort to provide you with all the assistance you need until russia's final defeat. Estonia is also engaged in cooperation with Ukraine in the field of demining, training and will assist in the reconstruction of police stations," said Lauri Läänemets, the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Estonia.
He emphasised that such meetings help to better understand Ukraine's current needs and to reach joint agreements and decisions on the necessary assistance together with partners.
"Latvia is involved in the reconstruction of Ukraine, in particular the Chernihiv region. We are fully aware that your citizens should return to a rebuilt country and to proper living conditions, so we will provide you with the necessary support and assistance," said Rihards Kozlovkis, the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Latvia.
Rihards Kozlovkis also noted the work of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine in controlling arms trafficking. According to him, not a single weapon has entered the EU over these two years of the full-scale war in Ukraine.
In addition, within the framework of the working visit, Ihor Klymenko showed the partners the work of the 112 Service, operating in Lviv and providing services to the entire western macro-region.
"We can confidently state that the 112 hotline is all about comfort and accessibility. One call allows you to contact several services at once, significantly speeding up the process of providing assistance, especially during the war. And this is the result of our cooperation, among other things. For it was Estonia and Lithuania that advised us on the development of the 112 system," said the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
The international delegation also visited one of Lviv's bomb shelters, designed to accommodate up to 300 people. It has been equipped with modern communications and various designated areas, including those for children and recreation.
"We are working to ensure that all the shelters are equipped with everything necessary so that people can autonomously wait out the alarm here," said Ihor Klymenko.
Communications Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
