Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who joined his Lithuanian and Polish counterparts in Vilnius on Sunday, warns that Europe must not relax its defences while Russia continues to view the continent as a target. The three presidents also discussed Ukraine’s efforts to join the European Union, somewhat diverging on the accession timeline.
Zelensky was in Vilnius to mark the anniversary of the 1863 January uprising against the Russian Empire, alongside Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda and Polish President Karol Nawrocki. The commemoration underscored what leaders described as a shared historical and modern struggle for freedom among Lithuanians, Poles and Ukrainians.
As then, so today, the three nations are united by the same commitment to freedom, Nausėda said, welcoming Zelensky to the Lithuanian capital.
Crowds gathered outside Vilnius Cathedral to greet Zelensky, many expressing solidarity with Ukraine and recalling Lithuania’s own history of resistance.
“Someone once supported us. Now we must support others,” said one attendee.
Standing together in a ceremonial formation, the three presidents emphasised what they described as renewed efforts to counter Russian imperial ambitions. Inside the cathedral, Zelensky said Europe could not afford to lose any nation living in freedom and voiced support for Belarusians living under repression, urging them to seek independence.
“There are only two choices: freedom or dependence,” Zelensky said. “European protection has been insufficient, and every delay has consequences.”
Nawrocki said the question of whether resistance is worth the cost is not confined to history.
“It returns today with full force, in a world where imperial aggression is rising again,” he said, noting that Ukraine has been defending its freedom from Russia’s invasion for nearly four years.
Nausėda said Kremlin efforts have repeatedly failed and pledged continued Lithuanian support for Ukraine’s fight.
The leaders also discussed peace negotiations and Ukraine’s path toward European Union membership. Zelensky said Kyiv hopes US President Donald Trump would not reduce pressure on Russia and called on Europe to maintain sanctions and counter Russian propaganda.
Zelensky said Ukraine is aiming to join the EU as early as 2027, calling membership a key security guarantee. Nausėda suggested 2030 as a realistic target, stressing that Ukraine’s accession is a priority for the current generation, not a distant future goal.
Nawrocki was more cautious, declining to offer a timeline.
“Accession processes are extremely complex,” he said, noting that Poland’s own path to EU membership took years.
During the visit, Nausėda congratulated Zelensky on his birthday. Zelensky, in turn, appealed to partners for increased military assistance, particularly air defence systems, as Russian forces continue to strike Ukraine’s energy infrastructure amid winter conditions.
Ukraine needs more air defence, Zelensky said, warning that ongoing attacks pose a critical threat to civilians and essential services.
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