Latvia to Provide Ukraine with New Military Aid Package and Funds from Russian Assets
The Republic of Latvia will offer a new military assistance package to Ukraine, including weapons, ammunition, and combat equipment. This was announced by Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs during a joint briefing with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who arrived in Latvia on January 11 for an official visit, as reported by Delfi.
Rinkēvičs noted that this package was developed considering the current needs of the Ukrainian defense forces. It includes self-propelled howitzers, ammunition for artillery systems, anti-tank and anti-aircraft systems, as well as corresponding ammunition, off-road vehicles, drones, communication tools, generators, winter uniforms, helicopters, and more.
Additionally, Rinkēvičs revealed Latvia's plan to conduct training for 3,000 Ukrainian military personnel in 2024 and continue rehabilitation projects for wounded Ukrainian military and border guards.
The Latvian President also emphasized that his country leads the "drone coalition" among allies providing military support to Ukraine.
"Latvia has taken the initiative in the so-called 'Ramstein format' to enhance Ukraine's capabilities in the drone sphere. It's pleasant that today, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Latvia and the President of Ukraine, two documents will be signed - a Memorandum of Understanding on promoting cooperation in the military sphere and implementing joint projects in defense and security. We see a quite good opportunity to produce cheap and effective drones in Latvia, which Ukrainian soldiers and armed forces currently need to succeed," said Rinkēvičs.
Furthermore, the Latvian President announced intentions to allocate funds earned from operations involving the confiscated Moscow House in Riga and other Russian assets to aid Ukraine. According to Rinkēvičs, he informed Zelensky about the Latvian parliament's adoption of a law on the nationalization of the Moscow House and the allocation of all necessary funds for Ukraine's needs.
"We will also use other Russian assets to provide assistance to Ukraine. We will decide how to implement this," added Rinkēvičs.
Earlier, the Latvian parliament made a decision to confiscate the Moscow House due to political events taking place under the guise of cultural and educational activities, posing a threat to national security.
It is worth noting that besides Latvia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also visited other Baltic countries — Lithuania and Estonia — whose leaders have also announced the provision of new military aid packages to Ukraine.