Lithuania is one of the most active and vocal global supporters of Ukraine. Local cultural, educational and business communities are providing voluntary support to Ukraine in light of current Russian aggression.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, Lithuania has been one of the leading countries to demonstrate constant support to the fellow country in donations, humanitarian aid, and volunteer work. The country, whose plight for independence from the Soviet Union in 1990 united and uplifted the whole nation, is well-positioned to emphasize the Ukrainians’ yearning for their freedom.
In just a few days a local non-governmental organization “Blue / Yellow” has collected over 10M euros from Lithuanian residents dedicated to supporting Ukrainians, and many families are signing up to host Ukrainian refugees, while veterinarians are traveling to the border to help collect and treat Ukrainians’ pets. A wave of unity is washing through the country and it seems that no one is left indifferent.
Vilnius, the capital town, has even started the process of renaming the street, where the Embassy of Russia is based, to Ukrainian Heroes Street.
Within the past week, many Lithuanian businesses, cultural, art, tourism, and other organizations have also joined forces to raise awareness and to physically help people suffering from the war. Lithuanian residents, as well as foreign visitors, are invited to contribute to the initiatives and show their comradery.
Culture and art initiatives
One of the largest light installation shows, Klaipėda Light Festival, which celebrated the 770th anniversary of the port town, has completely changed its program in light of recent events: in addition to an hour of silence to support Ukraine, the festival’s main objects were illuminated in blue and yellow—the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
The Energy and Technology Museum in Vilnius, set up in the first central power station of the city, will donate all proceeds from the tickets to “Blue / Yellow,” which bestows multifaceted support to Ukraine. The museum is also prepared to provide shelter for Ukrainian refugees. Visitors are welcome to take a stroll through Vilnius city and history reflected in the exhibition “Salve, Vilnius,” as well as paintings, sculptures, and other creative pieces by 29 artists.
Countless local artists are donating the proceeds from selling their paintings to the Ukrainian cause while creative agencies are launching platforms, such as “Creatives for Ukraine” to unite the worlds’ artists willing to share their illustrations of the war.
Meanwhile, TrekTours, the largest organizer of hiking trips in the Baltics, has gathered almost 5K hikers to walk up to 50 km with Ukrainian flags held proud and high.
Education institutions offer free education to Ukrainians
Lithuanian academia has come as one to take care of Ukrainian students who have lost contact with their families left in the war zone. LCC International University, a liberal arts school, is currently providing food, shelter, essential items, financial as well as psychological support to almost 200 students from Ukraine.
Similarly, Vilnius University, the globally recognized institution and the country’s largest university, has offered free education and financial assistance to Ukrainian students, in addition to setting up a donations fund.
Businesses offer shelter, money, and products
Lithuanian entrepreneurs contribute heavily to the state-wide cultural, educational, and art initiatives. Already hundreds of displaced Ukrainians have found their temporary home in Lithuania, and various hotels are offering housing options.
Other businesses have taken the matter into their hands as well and are providing assistance in hygiene products, SIM cards, proceeds from sold goods, etc.
Relentless support by public organizations and Lithuanian citizens to those affected by the war in Ukraine gives rise to other new initiatives in the country every day. In the meanwhile, as a member of NATO and the European Union, Lithuania welcomes international visitors to both discover its natural and urban landmarks and show their stance against unjust aggression.
www.lithuania.lt