On Tuesday, January 6, a meeting was held at the Vilnius District Municipality with a group of children from the Kherson region (Ukraine) who, at the invitation of Vilnius District Mayor Robert Duchnevič, are staying in Vilnius District from January 5 to 16.
According to Mayor Robert Duchnevič, this visit is more than a short stay – it marks the beginning of a meaningful friendship rooted in solidarity, unity, and a desire to support those who need it most today.
“This meeting is a great opportunity to get to know one another, support each other, and build connections that bring people together and create bridges despite the distance between us. Such initiatives not only strengthen cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine but also foster genuine human bonds.
Vilnius District is a diverse and multicultural region where various cultures, traditions, languages, and histories intersect, and we are eager to share them with you. We hope that during your stay you will discover new experiences, make friends, and establish lasting connections. I would like to thank the accompanying people and everyone who contributed to organizing this visit. You are, and always will be, welcome in our municipality. I wish you a pleasant, peaceful, engaging, and inspiring stay – you deserve it,” said Mayor R. Duchnevič.
The one-and-a-half-week visit of children from the Kherson region to Vilnius District was organized following the establishment of friendly relations between the Vilnius District Municipality and institutions of the Kherson region. A group of 15 children, aged 10–15, comes from one of Ukraine’s regions heavily impacted by war. This visit is about more than rest; it is an opportunity for them to experience safety, peace, care, togetherness, and rediscover the joys of childhood.
“I would like to thank you for coming. It is truly heartwarming to see so many young people today. As parents ourselves, we understand how important a safe and calm environment is – a place where you can feel free, build friendships, and find joy. You are the future of a free Ukraine and the builders of that future. I believe this visit will be the first of many, and that we will have further opportunities to meet,” said Vytautas Vansavičius, Director of the Administration of the Vilnius District Municipality.
The meeting was also attended by Viktor Hamotskyi, Deputy Head of Mission and Political Adviser at the Embassy of Ukraine, who thanked the Vilnius District Municipality for the initiative and emphasized that such visits provide children with what is currently most lacking in Ukraine – a sense of calm. He noted that the care shown by Lithuania is an important sign of support for the entire country.
During the visit, the children will take part in educational, sports, and creative activities, creative workshops, leisure and wellness programs, and sightseeing excursions around Vilnius District and neighboring regions. The program includes “friendship evenings” with music and dancing at the Rudamina Cultural Center, participation in the January 13th Day of the Defenders of Freedom Commemoration at the Nemenčinė Cultural Center, a visit to the biathlon track of the Vilnius District Sports Center, as well as games and activities together with local youth.
Representatives of institutions of the Kherson region also joined the meeting remotely, including Ruslan Rusal, Head of the Chulakivka Village Military Administration; Andrii Yaromenko, Deputy Director of the Department for the Implementation of Humanitarian Policy of the Kherson Regional State Administration; and Olena Micheeva, Head of the Social Department. They expressed their gratitude for organizing the trip to Vilnius District.
“This is not only a period of rest – it is an opportunity for children to feel like children again, without sirens, without fear, and without constant tension,” said Ruslan Rusal, Head of the Chulakivka Village Military Administration in the Kherson region.
The children shared their joy about the experiences and the warm welcome they received. For many of them, this is their first trip abroad.
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