Solidarity with Kherson: Ukraine and Lithuania in the fight against terror!

Solidarity with Kherson: Ukraine and Lithuania in the fight against terror!

On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha and Lithuanian counterpart Kęstutis Budrys visited the city and region of Kherson in southern Ukraine. Budrys was the first foreign minister to enter the city, which has been liberated since autumn 2022. Sybiha described the visit as a strong sign of solidarity with the Ukrainian people who are suffering in the face of ongoing Russian terror against Kherson. The two ministers remembered the defenders of the city and the freedom of Ukraine.

During their stay, Sybiha and Budrys spoke with the city's residents and met with local authorities. The aim of the talks was to discuss the region's most important needs and initiate concrete steps to increase international aid to Kherson. These discussions are particularly relevant as the region continues to suffer the effects of the ongoing conflict.

Help for Kherson

Support for Kherson is also confirmed by Schleswig-Holstein. Prime Minister Daniel Günther (CDU) had already assured on February 20, 2024 that further help would be provided for the region. In the cabinet meeting, which was also attended by Kherson Governor Oleksandr Prokudin and Ukrainian Consul General Irina Tybinka, Prokudin reported on the devastating consequences of the war. In Kherson, over 27,000 buildings, including social institutions, schools and daycare centers, have been destroyed since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression.

Prokudin described the current situation as “pure terror by the Russians against a civilian population” and referred to the daily bombings and the associated civilian casualties. In this context, Günther emphasized the importance of the partnership between Schleswig-Holstein and Kherson as well as the support from the citizens and organizations of the region.

Long-term perspectives

This partnership defines long-term goals that include the post-war reconstruction of Kherson and joint projects in the field of renewable energy. Consul General Tybinka highlighted the importance of this partnership for the people of Kherson, which will benefit through practical assistance such as the provision of three decommissioned police cars as well as food and medical supplies.

The war in Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, has already claimed at least 10,000 civilian lives. Support from abroad is crucial for affected regions such as Kherson to respond to the challenges of reconstruction.

The developments in Kherson therefore remain a key issue, both for Ukraine and for international partners committed to restoring peace and stability in the region.

You can find more details about the visits and the current situation in Kherson at Ukrinform and NDR read up.