High-Level Visit to the Ukrainian Capital
Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof arrived in Kyiv on a working visit. Accompanying him was the new Prime Minister of Lithuania Inga Ruginienė, for whom this marks her first foreign trip since taking office.
The visit underscores the continued solidarity of the Netherlands and Lithuania with Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression. Both governments remain among Kyiv’s consistent supporters in military, humanitarian, and reconstruction assistance.
Honoring Ukraine’s Fallen Defenders
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Dick Schoof paid tribute to Ukrainian defenders at the Wall of Memory in central Kyiv. The ceremony honored those who gave their lives defending Ukraine’s independence.
“We cherish the memory of all those who defended our freedom and their feat with gratitude. Eternal gratitude to each and every one,”
— said President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė and First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko also joined the memorial ceremony. The Lithuanian leader emphasized that the fallen Ukrainians defended not only their homeland but also Europe’s shared security and democratic values.
Broader European Engagement
The visit follows the continued wave of high-level diplomatic engagement with Ukraine. Earlier, on September 1, Bundestag faction leaders Jens Spahn (Christian Democratic and Social Union bloc) and Matthias Miersch (Social Democratic Party of Germany) also visited Kyiv to discuss defense cooperation and European integration.
Such visits reflect the growing coordination between EU and NATO partners in supporting Ukraine’s resilience, defense capabilities, and long-term recovery.
✅ Summary:
The joint visit of the Dutch and Lithuanian prime ministers to Kyiv highlights Europe’s unwavering political and moral support for Ukraine. Both leaders honored fallen defenders and reaffirmed that Ukraine’s struggle is a defense of the entire European security order.
