BRATTLEBORO-In recognition of the four-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kerry Secrest, Honorary Consul of Lithuania to Vermont, and the Windham World Affairs Council are co-hosting a talk: “Reflections at the Four-Year Mark of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine,” by Gediminas Varvuolis, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the United States, Thursday, Feb. 5, from 5 to 6 p.m., at Saxtons River Distillery, 155 Chickening Drive.
The event is free, and monetary donations toward care packages containing essential items such as mini cookstoves, protein bars, and hand warmers are welcome.
“This is a rare opportunity for the Brattleboro area to hear directly from a European ambassador about issues that are shaping our global future. I hope our community will come out on Feb. 5 and show how engaged and mighty this small town truly is,” Secrest said in a news release.
Ambassador Varvuolis will offer an inside view of Lithuania’s unwavering support for Ukraine and what it will take to achieve a durable peace in the region. He will offer his perspective on the evolving Baltic security landscape, including Lithuania’s model for burden-sharing, defense investment, and energy independence at a time when resilience is essential. His remarks will illuminate both the stakes for Europe and the lessons that resonate far beyond its borders.
Ambassador Varvuolis has built a distinguished diplomatic career spanning three decades, representing Lithuania across Europe, Asia, and now the United States. His leadership has shaped Lithuania’s role in global security and cooperation, according to a news release, from advancing NATO integration and crisis management early in his career to steering major initiatives such as the Three Seas Initiative and deepening transatlantic partnerships.
Serving as ambassador in capitals from Paris and Brussels to Tokyo and Washington, “he has consistently strengthened Lithuania’s voice on the world stage,” organizers wrote.
“Lithuania knows from history that aggression left unchecked does not stop at borders. Ukrainians are holding the line — often in freezing darkness — on behalf of a democratic world. Supporting them is an investment in global security and freedom,” said Secrest.
Immediately after the talk on Feb.5, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., siblings Kerry Secrest and Christian Stromberg, owner of Saxtons River Distillery, are sponsoring and holding a solidarity cocktail hour and bonfire, “Warmth in the Cold: An Evening for Ukraine,” to raise money for winter care packages. All proceeds from the cocktail hour will be donated to the cause.
Together, they say their hope is to raise $10,000 to send 200 care packages to Ukrainian soldiers through Blue/Yellow USA, a nonprofit initiative to provide aid to Ukraine.
“Every day, Ukrainians are forced to survive below freezing temperatures on the front lines and in their own homes, as ruthless bombing continues to destroy their electrical grid. Between unimaginable violence and brutal cold, the people of Ukraine need our warmth more than ever,” said Julianne Kaplan, event volunteer.
Monetary donations for winter care packages can be made at bit.ly/851-ukraine, or to lithuaniavermont.com.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.