The support for Ukrainian integration into NATO has grown, largely due to becoming the subject of various actions, marathons, and public appeals, and this support was even felt within the territory of Ukraine itself. In this article, we want to recall how it was in Vilnius.

Lithuania’s Statehood Day – a festive highlight

On July 6, on Lithuania’s Statehood Day, the country showed incredible warmth in supporting Ukraine. During the festive ceremony held in Vilnius, the Ukrainian National Anthem was played, and the National Opera of Ukraine performed at the celebration. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda supports Ukraine every day, and even during the flag-raising ceremony at the Statehood Day celebration in Lithuania, he expressed his support for our country.

In these days, when danger looms again nearby, when the fraternal Ukrainian people have to defend their right to a free and independent life, we are where we belong. Tenacious and unwavering, like an oak, we stand guard over European values. We are helping Ukraine.

Gitanas Nausėda, President of Lithuania

#UkraineNATO33 Rally in Vilnius

In Vilnius on July 9th, a large rally took place in support of granting Ukraine an official invitation to NATO #UkraineNATO33rd. The event was one of 39 rallies held worldwide during these days. The Vilnius rally gathered about five hundred participants, who proudly carried the national symbols of Ukraine and Lithuania, holding placards that read “Ukraine is Welcome in NATO” and “Ukraine NATO now.” The speakers’ speeches emphasized the importance of Europe’s security and highlighted the significance of Ukraine’s NATO membership.

Among the speakers at the event was Oleksandr Tereshchenko, a veteran of the Russo-Ukrainian War and the founder of the charitable fund “Oleksandro Tereshchenko labdaros ir paramos fondas”. He is not a politician but an ordinary person who was forced to take up arms and become a soldier in 2014. He knows very well the cost of war – thousands of lives of civilians and military personnel. Oleksandr emphasized that Ukraine is a key factor in ensuring stability in Europe and safeguarding it from threats. The veteran called for a decision on Ukraine’s membership at the NATO summit, which is essential for starting the processes of its integration into the alliance and ensuring security.

President of the Ukrainian World Congress, Pavlo Grod, called for the immediate granting of the status of the 33rd member of NATO. He believes that the mistakes of 2008 should not be repeated and urged to never give up and continue supporting Ukraine.

90 years ago, Stalin tried to destroy the Ukrainian nation, and today Putin is doing the same. We will not allow it now, and that’s why it is crucial for us to stand with Ukrainians. I am convinced that Ukraine will prevail, and Russia will fall. The question is only how many losses Ukrainians will have.

Pavlo Grod, Ukrainian World Congress

During the rally, another speaker, representing the Association of Belarusian Veterans in Ukraine, Andriy Kushnerov, emphasized that NATO countries must promptly grant membership to Ukraine. He argued his point by stating that regardless of whether a decision is made in the near future, Ukraine will ultimately achieve victory, but the question is at what cost. Like all Ukrainians, he does not wish for the war to prolong for many years and called for immediate intervention, rather than waiting for another five or ten years. It is crucial to take action before the occupied territories are reclaimed, and this necessitates expanded arms supplies.

The rally also featured the chairwoman of the Congress of Ukrainians in Estonia, Vira Konik, as a speaker. Just a few days before, Estonia had held a rally in support of Ukraine’s NATO membership, which had drawn strong reactions from Russian groups. Vira noted that after the collapse of the USSR, the Baltic countries set the main goal for themselves – to join the EU and NATO. She was pleasantly surprised to see so many young people among the attendees in Vilnius, individuals who are actively building and fighting for their future.

At this rally in the center of Vilnius, the crowd chanted “Ukraine NATO now!” with tremendous volume. Such unity and support are incredibly inspiring. Thank you, Vilnius!

NATO membership is the only guaranteed assurance of sustainable peace in Europe! Enough with promises. We need to provide Ukraine with security guarantees and invite them to NATO. Russia must see that everything is serious and that there are those who stand up for the Ukrainians!

Vlada Dumenko, ICUV

Organizers of the rally: ICUV – International Centre for Ukrainian Victory, Arkadijus Vinokuras, CAU – Communities Army of Ukraine, Ukrainian World Congress, 1K Aid Fund.

16-Day Marathon from Bahmut to Vilnius

Participants of the 16-Day Marathon “Raise the Flag of Ukraine in NATO”, which stretched from Bahmut to the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, had one main goal – to support the idea of granting Ukraine an official invitation to NATO. Ukrainian and Lithuanian Stiprūs Kartu runners took part in this marathon, carrying the Ukrainian flag from the frontline throughout the entire route throughout the entire route. This flag belongs to the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade ‘Edelweiss’.

Throughout the entire route, they were welcomed and greeted by people. So, for example in Grabarka Klaštoras, the runners were welcomed by Polish Euromaidan-Warszawa activists, who greeted them with banners “Ukraine is welcomed in NATO”. The final destination of the route on July 11th was the main square in Vilnius, where a grand concert stage was set up.

A Concert for Unity and Support

In the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, an evening concert was held on July 11th, dedicated to supporting the idea of granting Ukraine membership in the NATO. The concert opened with speeches from President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, and President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nauseda. Both leaders expressed their confidence that NATO will be stronger with Ukraine among its ranks.

During the concert, the Ukrainian flag from Bahmut was raised as a symbol of the vibrant, proud, and free spirit of the Ukrainian people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that this flag is not only a symbol of Ukraine but also of all European nations striving for freedom and democracy.

The Ukrainian flag, although pierced by bullets, is alive, proud, and free, which means that every flag of the European nations will be alive, proud, and free

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine

The 33 Thousand Flags Action in Support of Ukraine

On the eve of the summit, the entire Vilnius was adorned with Ukrainian flags, expressing support from every corner and heart. The Mayor of Vilnius and Vilnius Municipality joined the action in support of Ukraine’s NATO membership, displaying no less than 33 thousand Ukrainian flags throughout the Lithuanian capital. This number of flags, 33 thousand, symbolically represented Ukraine’s potential to become the 33rd member of NATO. This initiative became a powerful demonstration of support and solidarity from the Lithuanian people to Ukraine.

The Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Lithuania also participated in the action and utilized the campaign’s thematic graphics with the hashtag #UkraineNATO33rd and the slogan “Ukraine is welcome in NATO!” designed by Ukrainian artist Andriy Yermolenko. The graphics were used in many countries and prominently displayed on various advertising screens around the city and on public transportation. Additionally, there was abundant external advertising in Lithuania, including banners and slogans on buses, such as “While you wait for your bus, Ukraine awaits NATO membership.” Vilnius’ support was even felt in Kyiv!

The unity and dedication to the goal of granting Ukraine membership in NATO are at the heart of this massive support. And while Ukraine has not yet received an official invitation, the country has gained access to new weaponry, a pilot training program for F-16 fighter jets, and strengthened security through assurances from G7 member states. Additionally, the formation of the Ukraine-NATO Council has made dialogue between the countries even more effective. This is very valuable.

Now, we have one more year until the summit in Washington, which means – let’s stay united, and that’s how we will achieve our common goal. Granting Ukraine the status of the 33rd member of NATO will provide a powerful impetus to reforms in the defense and security sectors. This is a historic moment to act responsibly and not be afraid to take on historical leadership, as Ukraine’s membership in NATO is the sole guarantee of sustainable peace in Europe.

We will never stop expressing our gratitude for the support of our partners. The unity of communities is incredibly inspiring and provides direction for moving forward. Your voice is important, and we thank you for giving it to stand by Ukraine. We sincerely thank the organizers, our partners, Lithuania, Vilnius, and the entire Lithuanian people for their tremendous support and hard work. Thank you for your readiness to fight for peace and stability and for supporting the Ukrainian people.