Latvia Plans Long-Term Support for Ukraine, Will Provide Drones Worth €1 Million
Latvia is planning to sign a long-term support and security agreement with Ukraine, which includes providing military support amounting to 0.25% of its own GDP this year and over the next two years. This is outlined in an informational report prepared by Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by LSM.
The report indicates that 0.25% of Latvia's GDP in 2024 will amount to approximately €112 million. Funding for this project will be sourced from the Ministry of Defense budget.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that the agreement between Latvia and Ukraine on long-term support and security commitments is planned to be signed on April 11 during the Three Seas Summit in Vilnius. Latvia intends to sign such an agreement to send a "clear and firm signal of support to Ukraine in its fight against aggression."
According to Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ukraine intends to sign similar bilateral agreements with all G7 partner countries as well as with the European Union. Such agreements have already been signed with the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, and Germany. Lithuania and Estonia are also soon to sign such agreements.
Additionally, it was announced today that Latvia is preparing a new package of military aid for Ukraine and will also transfer the first drones as part of the "drone coalition," contributing financially to the Czech initiative, which involves purchasing ammunition for Ukraine. This was stated by Latvia's Prime Minister, Ingrīda Šimonytė, during a joint press conference with her Ukrainian counterpart, Denis Shmyhal, who is currently visiting Riga.
It is noted that Latvia will send the first drones, worth a total of €1 million. "The drones have already been tested, and our colleagues have recognized them as meeting all requirements," said Šimonytė.
She also mentioned that as part of the Czech initiative for purchasing ammunition, Latvia will contribute €10 million. Šimonytė further announced that this month, another package of military aid for Ukraine is expected to be provided, including material and technical resources, ammunition, and weaponry.
As a reminder, Latvia, along with the United Kingdom, leads the international "drone coalition" formed within the framework of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group, better known as the "Ramstein format."