This week, we had the honor to welcome Inga Ruginienė, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Lithuania, during her first official visit abroad — to Ukraine.

Together with the Lithuanian Ambassador, Inga Ruginienė visited our Hope and Healing Center, where she saw how we help children rescued from Russian captivity and occupation to heal, rebuild their lives, and believe in safety again.

We are deeply grateful to Lithuania for making the protection and rehabilitation of Ukrainian children one of its government’s top priorities. During the visit, the Prime Minister announced a new national initiative to support children returned from Russia and the temporarily occupied territories, implemented under her personal patronage.

Ms. Ruġienė also met Matvii, a young man who recently turned 18. He escaped from occupation on his own, enduring humiliating interrogations and psychological abuse at Russian checkpoints — and witnessing the crimes Russians committed against his friends.

Today, Matvii dreams of writing music. When asked what he wished for from Lithuania, he said — a guitar case. The Prime Minister brought it to him as a gift. A small but deeply meaningful gesture — showing that care for children is not just words.

Lithuania has always been one of Ukraine’s most devoted allies — a country that, perhaps better than anyone, understands the threat posed by Russia.

And we are truly grateful that even with a new government, Lithuania remains a steadfast friend of Ukraine — standing with us, supporting our children, and helping us fight for their future.