Ukraine and Latvia have discussed Kyiv’s priority military needs, including air-defense assets and unmanned ground vehicles.
Ukraine and Latvia have discussed Kyiv’s priority military needs, including air-defense assets, unmanned ground vehicles, fiber-optic-controlled drones, and mid-range strike capabilities.
The talks brought together Ukrainian Defense Minister Evgeniy Khmara, Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi, and Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis.
Kyiv called for the rapid delivery of essential equipment and urged Riga to leverage its role in international initiatives to help secure further military support.
Latvia confirmed its commitment to allocating at least 0.25 percent of its GDP annually to security assistance for Ukraine, after spending 0.3 percent of GDP on military support for Kyiv last year.
The talks covered additional forms of assistance, including the rehabilitation of Ukrainian service members, military training and the strengthening of cyber capabilities.
Both sides also discussed developing a broader bilateral defense partnership.
Ukraine offered to share the experience gained during the war, particularly in conducting multi-domain operations, organizing territorial defense, and building modern military fortifications.
Ukrainian forces received additional combat reconnaissance tracked armored vehicles from Latvia. Photo: Latvian Defence Minister Andris SprudsMilitary Support for Kyiv
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Latvia has provided Kyiv with 665 million euros ($770.4 million) in military assistance.
The support included equipment from the Latvian Armed Forces, training for Ukrainian troops, purchases from Latvia’s defense industry and contributions to international funds.
In June, Riga donated 17 vehicles confiscated in criminal proceedings.
They were allocated to units under Ukraine’s Defense Ministry and National Guard, military administrations in the Kharkiv and Chernihiv regions, and Borivska Central Hospital.
The donated vehicles included a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI 4Matic and two 2004 BMW 525 sedans.
Earlier this year, Latvia began transferring additional British-designed Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance armored vehicles to Ukrainian forces.
The platforms are used for reconnaissance, patrol and light combat operations.
