On April 30, 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister of Cooperation and Humanitarian Action, Xavier Bettel, and the Minister of Defense, Yuriko Backes, made a working visit to Ukraine.
In kyiv, the ministers had interviews with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, as well as First Lady Olena Zelenska.
During the interviews, the ministers reaffirmed the infallible support of Luxembourg to Ukraine in its resistance to Russian assault, on the military, political, humanitarian and in matters of recovery. The discussions focused on the current needs of Ukraine and the way in which Luxembourg can continue to support Ukraine. The ministers have reaffirmed the firm commitment of Luxembourg in favor of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as its support for a just and lasting peace in the words of Ukraine.
Luxembourg has announced additional support of 21 million euros in favor of Ukraine, including 10 million euros for the energy sector, 10 million euros in military support, and 1 million euros at the Olena Zelenska Foundation to support initiatives in the mental health of children suffering from the psychological consequences of the war.
On the program also appeared visits to the Okhmatdyt pediatric hospital, partly destroyed by Russian attacks in 2024, and a kyiv district struck the weekly, highlighting the brutality of the Russian aggression and the human suffering that it continues to generate. The ministers recalled that Russian attacks constitute blatant violations of international law by Russia, and insisted on the importance of fighting impunity. Accompanied by Minister Sybiha, the ministers set flowers at the foot of the “wall of memory” in honor of the Ukrainians who fell during the war.
In addition, the ministers visited the offices of the Lux-Development agency in kyiv, where they exchanged with the vice-mayor of Kryvyi Rih, Sergii Miliutin, about the support provided by Luxembourg to Kryvyi Rih in the fields of education, vocational training, energy and humanitarian demining.
Minister Bettel received the order of Prince Iaroslav the sage on the part of President Zelensky, in recognition of his commitment to Ukraine.
Press release by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defense, Cooperation and Foreign Trade
