Lithuania announces new military aid package, including drones, air defense missiles.

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Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte announced on Aug.

24 a new aid package for Ukraine, which includes drones, air defense missiles, and funds to purchase military equipment. Simonyte and Polish President Andrzej Duda visited Kyiv on Ukraine's Independence Day. In a speech delivered in Ukrainian, Simonyte said, "It is a great honor and a great joy for me to be here on this day and to celebrate the independence of Ukraine together with the free and indomitable people of Ukraine."

Simonyte later said on X that Vilnius will provide Ukraine with a new package of short-range air defense missile systems, as well as anti-drone systems, guns, ammunition, and other equipment by September. Lithuania has also pledged to provide Ukraine with 5,000 Lithuanian drones by the end of the fall and will allocate 35 million euros (£39.2 million) to purchase radars and demining equipment for Ukraine, according to the prime minister. Simonyte noted that by the end of 2024, Lithuania will fulfill and most likely exceed its commitment to spend 0.25% of its GDP on assistance to Ukraine and defense.

"I urge all our partners and allies to commit to the same target," Simonyte added. According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, which tracks international aid for Ukraine, Lithuania has allocated 501 million euros (£560 million) in support for Ukraine.

'Ukrainian response will reach any point in Russia' -- Zelensky's Independence Day address Editor's note: This is the transcript of President Volodymyr Zelensky's address released by the President's Office on Aug.

24, 2024, Ukraine's 33rd Independence Day. "Dear people! Ukrainians always pay back their debts. And whoever wished misery upon our land shall find it in their own home.

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