Prime Minister and former Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania Vytautas Landsbergis discussed Ukraine's reaction to Russian aggression

On Friday, Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman met with Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania (1990-1992, 1996-2000) Vytautas Landsbergis. The participants discussed the challenges Ukraine faces within the country and reaction to Russian aggression.

Volodymyr Groysman said that Ukraine is facing many serious problems.

"We are now paying for changes, which, unfortunately, we did not manage to undergo. We were formed as a state, but for 25 years of independence we have not overcome corruption, developed the weak management system, centralized power, as a result, we have weak courts. We have to settle all these problems now, but in context of the annexation of Crimea and partial occupation of Donbas. It is a challenge for us," he pointed out.

Also, populism and corruption destroy the state from within, noted the Prime Minister. In addition, Ukraine faces the problem of institutional weakness.

"Our task is to build a state system able to solve the problems, but better avoid them," he stressed.

The interlocutors discussed the consequences of the Russian aggression in Ukraine, the problem of IDPs, exchange prisoners, progress of democratic countries in countering Russian aggression and the implementation of the Minsk agreements. The Prime Minister stressed that Russia does not fulfill its obligations.

Authoritative politician, former Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania Vytautas Landsbergis expressed support for Ukraine in countering the Russian aggression. "We see Ukraine as a common cause,"  he highlighted.

Volodymyr Groysman thanked Lithuania and the Baltic States for the steadfast support to Ukraine. "It's very important and we thank you for that. We really feel your strong support," he said.