Writer and publicist Andrius Užkalnis has stepped out of his long-standing privacy to announce a new romantic relationship. In a series of recent disclosures, Užkalnis revealed that he has found a new partner in Monika Žilinskaitė, the sister of the late journalist and politician Rokas Žilinskas.
The announcement comes after a period where the well-known public figure kept his personal life strictly guarded. Užkalnis first shared the news during an appearance on the Delfi TV display “Labai smagus vakaras su „Delfi“,” and later provided further details to the portal Žmonės.lt, marking a shift in how he manages his public image regarding his private affairs.
Monika Žilinskaitė, who is 47 years old, is the sister of Rokas Žilinskas (1972–2017), a respected figure in Lithuanian journalism and politics. The couple’s relationship is described as being in its early stages, with the romantic feelings beginning to develop at the start of 2026.
A Transition from Privacy to Openness
For years, Andrius Užkalnis maintained a strict boundary between his professional work as a writer and his home life. In previous interviews, including a segment on the Lrytas show “Jokių filtrų su Saugirdu Vaitulioniu,” he had hinted at his status, stating that while he lived alone at home, he was not “alone in life.” At that time, he emphasized his commitment to protecting the privacy of those closest to him, citing his past experiences with public relationships as a reason for his caution.
The decision to introduce Monika Žilinskaitė suggests a new chapter for the author. In his discussions with Žmonės.lt, Užkalnis touched upon the nature of their connection, including the shared hobbies that bring them together and the challenges and dynamics of maintaining a relationship across a distance. He described their current arrangement with the lighthearted observation: “Važinėjame vienas pas kitą į svečius” (We visit each other as guests).
The Connection to Rokas Žilinskas
The relationship links Užkalnis to the family of the late Rokas Žilinskas. Žilinskas was a prominent journalist and politician who passed away in 2017. The connection to the Žilinskas family adds a layer of public interest to the announcement, given the late journalist’s previous standing in Lithuanian public life.
According to reports from 15min.lt, Užkalnis has been open about the fact that these feelings are still fresh, reflecting a cautious but positive start to their partnership.
Key Details of the Relationship
- Partner: Monika Žilinskaitė, 47 years old.
- Timeline: Romantic feelings began to develop in early 2026.
- Family Tie: Monika is the sister of the late journalist and politician Rokas Žilinskas.
- Current Status: The couple is navigating a relationship that involves traveling to visit one another.
While the public is now aware of the relationship, the couple continues to balance their visibility. Užkalnis’ history with high-profile separations and the scrutiny of the public eye has clearly influenced his measured approach to this announcement. By choosing specific platforms like Delfi TV and Žmonės.lt, he has controlled the narrative of his transition from a solitary lifestyle back into a partnership.
As of April 12, 2026, no further official updates regarding the couple’s future plans or a potential move toward cohabitation have been announced.
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