Ukraine was 'a front line defending Europe', says Zelenskyy at defence meeting in Lithuania

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke via video-link with the presidents of Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Romania to discuss defence issues and the strengthening of NATO's eastern flank.

The leaders spoke during an international symposium titled "The Idea of Europe" held in Kaunas, Lithuania.

Von der Leyen said the European Union would continue to stand by Ukraine "because Ukrainians are fighting for hope in a better future, a European future."

The EU leader added "Russia is trying to take us back in time, but those who have struggled to be free will not accept the bondages of an uglier past."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meanwhile said Ukraine was "a front line defending Europe".

He told the gathering  that while Russia still had enough military power to cause difficulties for his country it wouldn't manage to dent European unity.