Š. Birutis in Kyjiv: "Cultural identity is one of the key conditions of resilience"

On 20 December, the Minister of Culture Šarūnas Birutis, together with other members of the Government, visited Kyiv to express Lithuania's strong support for Ukraine and its people in their struggle against the aggressor Russia.

"Ukrainian culture and cultural heritage is being targeted by Russia to weaken Ukrainian identity. We are in a battlefield of historical narratives involving our entire region. We support President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement that cultural sovereignty is identical to state sovereignty and is now an essential condition for Ukraine's resilience," said Mr Birutis at the meeting of the Lithuanian and Ukrainian governments.

He also stressed that culture and cultural heritage must be an integral part of Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction plan, and Lithuania strongly supports and will continue to support Ukraine in implementing work to preserve and promote culture and cultural heritage.

Lithuania also will continue to provide political support to Ukraine in the EU and international organisations, including UNESCO. 

Photo by Tomas Ivanauskas

Last updated: 03-01-2025

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