Lithuania is set to allocate EUR 2 mln to Ukraine as part of the Grain from Ukraine initiative by the end of the year. The country is also ready to increase the transit capacity of Baltic ports for Ukrainian exports.

Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė stated that Lithuania is pleased with the progress made since the program’s launch and is ready to continue feeding the world. She also highlighted Russia’s attempts to use the Black Sea situation to prevent Ukrainian grain exports and lift sanctions. However, Lithuania is developing alternative routes for exporting grain, including the Solidarity Lanes and new grain corridors. The country is also ready to increase the transit capacity of its ports for Ukrainian exports, creating another opportunity for Ukrainian products to be exported through the Baltic Sea.

As of November 24, 153 civilian vessels carrying 5.6 million tonnes of grain and other cargo have already passed through the Black Sea humanitarian corridor.

Ukraine has benefited from access to Lithuanian ports, offering an alternative route for exporting its goods and mitigating the risk of disruptions caused by the Russian blockade in the Black Sea. The utilization of Lithuanian ports, such as Klaipėda, has served as a strategic lifeline for Ukraine, fostering economic stability, international trade, and resilience during the war.

Even if grain is now moving through the Black Sea again, access to Lithuanian ports provides Ukraine with a Northern European gateway, offering an alternative to the traditional Black Sea route.

Leveraging Lithuanian ports has offered Ukraine the opportunity to integrate more closely with the European market, enhancing its economic prospects and facilitating recovery efforts during and after the conflict.

The utilization of Lithuanian ports has also enhanced regional cooperation between Ukraine and the Baltic states. Closer economic ties with Lithuania, as well as Latvia and Estonia, are leading to collaborative efforts in infrastructure development, trade agreements, and joint security initiatives. This regional alliance has created a unified front against external threats and contributes to the overall stability of Eastern Europe.