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On 7 November at the Permanent Representation of Lithuania to the European Union (EU), Jonas Axel Öhman, the founder of the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Blue/Yellow, presented the importance of permanent support to Ukraine, his organisation's activities and took part in an open discussion with EU diplomats and representatives of the Belgian Lithuanian community.

Mr Ohman gave the guests at the mission a detailed account of the Russian aggression in Ukraine, which has been ongoing since 2014, and the development of the Ukrainian Armed Forces over the past 8 years, focusing on the brutal invasion and repulse that began on 24 February. The head of the NGO Blue/Yellow stressed the importance of continuous non-lethal support to Ukraine's defence, channelled directly to the military structures operating on the frontline, which would effectively use every element of the support provided.

"Lithuania has been and will continue to be one of the most active Member States in maintaining the EU's focus on Ukraine, working for further macro-financial support, tightening our sanctions, holding Russia internationally accountable for its crimes of war and aggression, and promoting Ukraine's integration into the EU and its long-term reconstruction. What is at stake is not only our support for Ukraine, but also our shared responsibility to preserve the international democratic order. We must not become complacent because we have a long fight ahead of us against Russian aggression and terror," Ambassador Arnoldas Pranckevičius said at the start of the event.

During the open discussion that followed the presentation, guests gathered at the Representation had the opportunity to ask questions to Mr Ohman, to find out how Blue/Yellow operates, and to find out how it works in direct cooperation with the various Ukrainian structures in providing support. Mr. Ohman also shared touching stories from the front, true and heroic stories of everyday battles.

Mr Ohman, head of the NGO Blue/Yellow, was in Brussels to receive the European Citizen award from the European Parliament. Based in Vilnius, Blue/Yellow has been supporting Ukraine's armed resistance - its soldiers and volunteers - with non-lethal supplies since 2014.