In his nightly address on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Vilnius on its 700th anniversary, awarding it the “rescuer city” title.
“Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is beginning its 700th anniversary. The history of our peoples has been closely intertwined all this time. We share a common destiny to be free. The more one country is protected, the more the other will be protected. This is perhaps clearer now than ever before in our history,” said Zelensky on Tuesday night.
“Ukraine will always be grateful to Lithuania, to President Gitanas Nausėda, to all the Lithuanian leaders, to all the Lithuanian people who perceived Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as an attack on their freedom. They are helping us to safeguard our common future in a free and peaceful Europe,” said Zelensky.
He also said that on Tuesday he had signed an order awarding Vilnius with the “rescuer city” title.
Zelensky established the honorary title last year. Other cities that provide aid to Ukraine have also received it.
The first city to receive the title is Rzeszów, in south-eastern Poland, close to the border with Ukraine.
Prague in the Czech Republic and Peremysl in Poland have also received the award in the past year for their assistance to Ukrainians and their strong support for Ukraine.
This year, Vilnius celebrates the 700th anniversary of its foundation.
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