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Lithuania is studying Ukraine’s experience in organizing mobilization, recruitment, and military training under wartime conditions.
This topic was discussed during a meeting between representatives of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense and a delegation from the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Brigadier General of Justice Serhiy Melnyk, highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two countries and expressed gratitude to Lithuania for its ongoing support since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The Ukrainian side shared insights into reforms in mobilization and recruitment, including the establishment of 44 recruiting centers across most regions of Ukraine, where citizens can now enlist for military service under contract.
They also discussed recent initiatives aimed at enhancing defense capabilities, such as the option to recruit directly to specific military units and the planned replacement of conscription with basic military service starting in 2025.
Arūnas Balčiūnas, Head of the Lithuanian Military Conscription and Recruitment Service, emphasized the importance of learning from Ukraine’s experience, given Lithuania’s border with Russia. He noted, “For a country bordering the Russian Federation, it is essential to understand the lessons Ukraine has gained over nearly a thousand days of resistance. When wartime events replace peacetime, everything changes rapidly, and military personnel responsible for national security must be prepared.”
The Lithuanian delegation also shared its own initiatives for registering conscripts and notifying them for service, which was an important topic of exchange between the two nations.
Both sides agreed to continue cooperation to strengthen defense capabilities and national security, leveraging advanced practices and innovations.
Earlier in October, it was announced that Lithuania would purchase additional NASAMS medium-range air defense systems for €234 million. On October 15, Lithuania decided to establish two new battalions of tracked infantry fighting vehicles and acquire additional Vilkas IFVs for €370 million. In November, the Lithuanian government allocated €2.4 million to develop drone capabilities.
