Latvia spent approximately 0.3% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on military support for Ukraine last year, Foreign Minister Baiba Braže told journalists today following an inter-institutional meeting on the implementation of the Latvia–Ukraine security commitments agreement.
She noted that Russia’s ongoing bombardments have severely affected Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. “It has not been completely destroyed, but there are major disruptions in energy redistribution in certain regions of Ukraine. This is a deliberate policy by Russia,” Braže said. The minister stressed that Latvia must work closely with Ukraine to clearly understand what Latvia can provide and what Ukrainians need.
Military support will also continue, Braže emphasized. “What Ukrainians need, we are giving and will continue to give,” she underlined.
Latvia had committed to allocating at least 0.25% of GDP to Ukraine’s military support in 2025, but by the end of the year this proportion was exceeded. “At the end of the year, we allocated additional funds specifically to procure NATO weapons from the United States,” Braže explained.
This year as well, Latvia plans to provide military support amounting to at least 0.25% of GDP.
In addition, Latvia has contributed to the Energy Community Fund, which finances, among other things, the purchase of generators. “This also gives Latvian manufacturers of energy infrastructure equipment the opportunity to participate in tenders and supply goods to Ukraine,” the foreign minister noted, adding that companies in Latvia’s defense sector can also benefit and develop as a result.
Braže also revealed that the situation regarding Ukrainian civilians in Latvia has changed compared to the first year of the war, and this issue was discussed at today’s meeting. She said various ministries are assessing how to continue providing support while adapting it to the current reality. As a result, support in certain areas will be reduced.
The meeting also addressed Latvia’s support for Ukraine in international organizations, particularly efforts to prevent Russia from being elected to positions in those bodies.
“In this respect, we as the international community have actually been very successful,”
Braže said.
As previously reported, on the 11th of April, 2024, Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkēvičs, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signed an agreement between the two countries on long-term support and security commitments.
Latvia and Ukraine have committed to long-term cooperation in strengthening Ukraine’s security and defense, providing comprehensive military and non-military assistance. Latvia has pledged to deliver political, military, economic, financial and humanitarian support, as well as to promote the development of modern, NATO-compatible and sustainable Ukrainian armed and security forces. The agreement envisages cooperation in developing Ukraine’s defense capabilities, including training, provision of equipment and weapons, and strengthening Ukraine’s resilience against future attacks.
The agreement also provides for enhanced cooperation in security, intelligence, cybersecurity and strategic communications, as well as joint efforts to counter disinformation, hybrid threats and risks to critical infrastructure. Latvia has committed to supporting Ukraine in implementing sanctions and preventing their circumvention, promoting Russia’s international accountability for aggression and war crimes, and working toward the establishment of a compensation mechanism for damages inflicted on Ukraine. Both countries have agreed to cooperate within international organizations to strengthen Ukraine’s position and the international legal order.
Latvia and Ukraine have further committed to fostering long-term cooperation in the development of the defense industry, including evaluating investment opportunities, joint projects and production capabilities, as well as cooperation in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles. The agreement also provides for cooperation in the rehabilitation and treatment of Ukrainian soldiers, humanitarian demining efforts and strengthening the resilience of Ukrainian society.
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