Since 24 February the total military support Latvia’s government has provided Ukraine in its fight against Russia has reached almost EUR 300 million. Latvian residents, companies and NGOs have collected donations worth more than EUR 15.7 million, as reported by Ministry of Defence.
«This war will be long. Our and other countries’ provided aid is one of the conditions for Ukraine’s survival and independence. Latvia is a leader when it comes to providing support and an example for other countries in Europe and the rest of the world,» stressed the Minister of Defence Artis Pabriks.
Latvia’s military aid provided to Ukraine include arms, individual equipment, MREs, munitions, anti-tank weapons, Stinger anti-air missiles, UAVs, howitzers, helicopters, fuel and other goods.
Additionally, the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs regularly send humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
During her visit to Ukraine on 22nd – 25th August, Ministry of Foreign Affairs parliamentary secretary Baiba Bļodniece and senior expert for international military religious cooperation affairs Elmārs Pļaviņš delivered yet another shipment of humanitarian aid from Latvian companies and residents.
The movement Entrepreneurs For Peace provided warm tactical clothes, footwear and equipment for soldiers, food products with long shelf life, as well as special off-road vehicles. The latest shipment also included military equipment from Latvia’s National Armed Forces.
«Ukraine will overcome Russia’s invasion. It is a question of time. But our support, especially considering the coming cold, is very highly valued,» stressed Bļodniece.
«I would like to thank our domestic companies and residents to pass the gratitude expressed by Ukraine’s defenders – we receive them in every city we visit.»
Pļaviņš said the vehicles donated with support from the movement are mainly supplied to Ukrainian Armed Forces and National Guard.
This time some of the donated vehicles went to state institutions that are responsible for taking over foreign support and distribution to places that need it the most.
Donation collection for the initiative Latvijas bairaktars continues at ziedot.lv.
Bayraktar TB2 is a Turkish-made, remote controlled combat UAV. Latvia is not the first country whose residents have decided to support Ukraine by collecting money to afford this UAV. Similar events have already happened in Poland, Lithuania, Norway and Canada.
EUR 710 009 have been donated so far. The total amount needed in EUR 5 million, so that the Ministry of Defence can order it and have it delivered to the Ukrainian army.
Residents can donate to Latvijas bairaktars by calling 9000 6561 or using ziedot.lv platform.