Latvia Pledges €5 Million to Boost Ukraine’s Defense via PURL Initiative

Latvia is allocating €5 million to support Ukraine as part of the new NATO-US PURL initiative, aimed at rapidly supplying American weapons to strengthen the country's defense capabilities.

The Gaze reports on it, referring to the Ministry of Defense of Latvia.

“It is necessary to continue to support Ukraine in every way possible, as this is the only way to strengthen its ability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as to achieve victory in the fight against the aggressor state of Russia,” emphasizes Defense Minister Andris Spruds.

It is expected that of the planned €5 million allocated to aid Ukraine, €3 million will come from the Ministry of Defense budget and €2 million from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs budget. 

“Latvia's financing of the purchase of American weapons to support Ukraine is a clear signal of the determination of NATO and its allies to meet Ukraine's priority military needs and strengthen collective security in Europe,” Foreign Minister Baiba Braže said.

She also noted that Latvia's contribution is a demonstration of solidarity, confirming that Latvia is ready to defend the international order from Russian aggression.

It is worth recalling that the PURL Initiative envisages European countries and Canada to provide funding for the purchase of American military products, which allows for quick and effective support of the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the war with Russia.

The Gaze previously informed that Latvia planned to join a NATO-led initiative to supply the U.S.-made weapons to Ukraine, committing no less than €2 million to the effort, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa announced on August 12 after a cabinet meeting.