Lithuanians in the UK, along with friends and colleagues, gathered at the historic Royal Air Force Club in London this week to mark 16th of February - the 107th anniversary of Lithuania’s restored statehood. It was a moment of pride, reflection, and recognition of Lithuania’s resilience and its unwavering commitment to freedom.

Yet, as Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Lithuania to the UK, Lina Zigmantaite, reminded us, freedom must never be taken for granted, and Europe’s security depends on collective resilience and decisive action against Russian aggression. Ukraine has been resisting Russia’s aggression for 11 years, including three years of full-scale war. Russia remains a threat not only to Ukraine but to Lithuania, Europe, and the democratic values we all cherish.

✔ 1990.03.11 Restoration of Lithuania's Independence Day
✔ 1993.08.31 The last units of the Russian army leave Lithuania
✔ 2004.03.29 Lithuania becomes a NATO member
✔ 2004.05.01 Lithuania becomes an EU member
✔ 2014.10.27 The start of operations at the Klaipeda LNG terminal
✔ 2025.02.08 LITHUANIA DISCONNECTS FROM THE RUSSIAN-CONTROLLED ELECTRICITY GRID

Team at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to the United Kingdom.

Peace Requires Strength

Nick Pickard, Director for Europe at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, said that the UK has never taken Lithuania’s freedom for granted and remains committed to standing with Lithuania and Ukraine in the face of growing security threats.

"Acting on Lithuania's story of independence, we are inspired and motivated by your bravery and your determination for freedom. And now it is Ukraine's bravery and determination in their fight for freedom against Russia that is safeguarding all of our freedom and our sovereignty. We pledge to continue this fight to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine that safeguards their sovereignty for the long term and deters Putin from further aggression in the future. If we want peace, then peace requires strength," said Pickard.

The importance of collective security in Europe was a key theme of the evening’s speeches. "We are once again facing a once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our continent, a moment that is existential - not just for Ukraine, not just for Lithuania, but for the United Kingdom and Europe as a whole," Pickard stressed.

The UK has demonstrated its commitment by deploying British troops to the Baltic region as part of NATO’s enhanced forward presence. Lithuania, in turn, actively supports UK-led initiatives such as Operation Interflex, which trains Ukrainian soldiers. The Baltic MILTEC Summit 2025, set for May in Vilnius, will further strengthen UK-Lithuania defense collaboration and innovation.

Pickard reinforced the urgency of standing united: "Together we need to strengthen our resilience, our deterrence, our defense, our determination."

Nick Pickard, Director for Europe at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, said that the UK has never taken Lithuania’s freedom for granted and remains committed to standing with Lithuania and Ukraine in the face of growing security threats.

Royal Airforce Club in London.

Economic and Energy Cooperation

It’s a challenging time, with uncertainty in global politics, but another milestone worth celebrating today is Lithuania’s recent full energy independence, achieved alongside Latvia and Estonia, by disconnecting from the Russia-controlled electricity grid and integrating into the continental European network.

“European countries are significantly increasing their defense spending and rapidly disentangling themselves from dependence on Russian energy,” Pickard added, acknowledging Lithuania's leadership in achieving energy independence.

Trade relations between Lithuania and the UK continue to flourish, with 300 UK companies employing 9,000 people in Lithuania, particularly in FinTech, where companies like Revolut have established themselves in Lithuania to serve UK markets. Meanwhile, Lithuanian businesses like Nord Security and Vinted are expanding in the UK.

Lithuania has proven to be a stable, resilient, and attractive investment destination, drawing €351 million in capital investment last year alone.

Cultural Ties and People-to-People Connections

The UK and Lithuania’s bond extends beyond politics and trade - it is deeply rooted in culture and people-to-people ties. Lithuania was named Lonely Planet’s #2 travel destination for 2025, and Vilnius is holding the dual title of European Green Capital and Christmas Capital 2025.

Another reason to visit Lithuania, said Lina Zigmantaite, is the 150th anniversary of the genius Lithuanian painter, artist, and composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis. His exhibition was held at the Dulwich Gallery a couple of years ago. Now, in return, this March, works of British masters such as Turner and Blake will travel to Lithuania, where they will be exhibited.

A Future of Continued Cooperation

As Lithuania celebrates its independence, its partnership with the UK remains stronger than ever. “Lithuania and the United Kingdom will continue to stand together in security, political, economic, trade, and energy cooperation. These partnerships make us stronger,” Zigmantaite affirmed.

The evening was not just a celebration, but a powerful reminder of the shared commitment to democracy, sovereignty, and a stable Europe.

Pickard closed the evening’s speeches with a toast, stating: “To Lithuania, to the United Kingdom, to our strong future together, and to Ukraine’s victory. Slava Ukraini!”

Londoniete had a pleasure meeting:

Londoniete magazine met Lithuanian Parish priest Petras Tverijonas, Jurga Zilinskiene MBE - entrepreneur, software programmer and founder of Guildhawk, David Clarke - CSO Director at Guildhawk and guests.

Londoniete magazine met Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science/Immunology Dr. Ruta Furmonaviciene, book author on Lithuanian freedom and researcher Dr. Darius Furmonavicius and guest Brian Holmes.

Londoniete magazine met Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce president Laura Budriene and founders of the Lithuanian restaurant in London Shepherds Inn - Berneliu Uzeiga, Robertas Sobutas and Aivaras Ustinovskij.