Lithuanian president calls on Zelensky to "crush" oligarchic system in Ukraine

This is stated in an audio recording released by the presidential press service, according to the DELFI news site.

"The new [Ukrainian] president wants a lot of changes, he's really associated with great people's hopes. Therefore, these changes are possible if people support him, and, of course, if this president is able to use that support, take advantage of the current situation and ultimately crush the established oligarchic system that has been operating in Ukraine for almost 30 years," Grybauskaite said.

She noted that Ukraine is now at a crossroads - "it has a lot of challenges, but it also has enormous potential."

Grybauskaite emphasized that Lithuania consistently and fundamentally supports Ukrainians, firmly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and provides comprehensive support.

According to her, having elected Zelensky, Ukrainians expressed their firm desire to live in a European state with standards of European democracy, the rule of law, transparency, and human rights.

"Therefore it is especially important to overcome corruption, ensure transparent activity of government institutions, courts and the protection of law, the western business culture, reform the energy sector, increase energy security and implement other important reforms," Grybauskaite added.

On May 20, newly elected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took an oath of allegiance to Ukraine and began to fulfill the duties of the president of Ukraine.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Lithuanian President Grybauskaite. On the same day, they held a bilateral meeting in Kyiv.

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