Latvia - World War III.2
Latvia continues to provide military support to Ukraine’s armed forces. Since the start of Russian invasion of Ukraine, Latvia has provided military support in the amount of nearly 1% of its gross domestic product, making us one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine. In addition to military support, Latvia has also offered Ukraine extensive military training. Since the start of the full-scale invasion around 4000 Ukraine's armed forces soldiers have been trained. In 2024 training will continue and will become even more compact.
In cash terms, Latvia’s defence sector has provided military support in the amount of EUR 370 million, including unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, howitzers, weapons and personal equipment, ammunition, anti-tank weapons, Stinger air defence systems, radars, ration packs, IT equipment, land vehicles, petrol and various weapons systems. In 2024, the Latvian government's planned support to Ukraine exceeded €200 million, including military aid of approximately €112 million, equivalent to 0.25% of GDP.
Unmanned aerial vehicles are a vital asset for Ukraine. These capabilities have significantly influenced the war strategies and tactical command. The main purpose of Coalition is therefore to make drone deliveries to Ukraine as efficient and swift as possible, while also stepping up UAV capabilities of Latvia and other allies.
On 14 February 2024, an agreement was signed on the establishment of a drone coalition. The Coalition is initiated by Latvia and led jointly with the United Kingdom. The Coalition officially includes 16 Member States that have signed a letter of intent - Latvia, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Ukraine.
By signing the letter of intent, countries have agreed to commit resources for manufacturing of drones and will deliver these drones and spare parts to Ukraine, where they will be tested and Coalition will also train Ukrainian troops on how to use them and integrate with other technologies. There was ongoing cooperation with Latvian defence industry companies in the drone production sector to provide Ukraine with combat drones of different capacities according to current needs and testing requirements. Latvia will allocate EUR 20 million for the drone coalition in 2024.
In order to strengthen Ukrainian society and the Armed Forces during the time of war, the Ministry of Defence encouraged different businesses and companies that are willing and ready to donate first aid medical supplies, food with a long shelf life or other assistance to contact the Ministry of Defence. The Ministry of Defence emphasizes that the individual equipment required for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which is retailed by specially licensed companies, cannot be purchased by private individuals, and the export of military or dual-use goods requires an export license
In regards to the Russian Federation's attack on Ukraine, the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia amended the National Security Law on 28 February 2022, allowing Latvian citizens voluntarily join the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The amendments came into force on 1 March 2022. Volunteers wanting to join the newly established International Territorial Defence Battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces should contact the Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia. More information will be available on the website of the Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia.
After having received confirmation from the Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia, the volunteer is obliged to notify the Mobilization Board of the National Armed Forces by writing a physically or electronically signed letter (address: Krustabaznicas iela 9, Riga, LV-1006; e-mail address: rpus@mil.lv), indicating his / her name, surname, personal identification code, type of service and service in the country. More information will be available on the website of the Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia.
At the same time, the Ministry of Defence and the National Armed Forces, before engaging in active hostilities in Ukraine, call on citizens seriously assess their military knowledge and skills, which can be acquired in peace by joining the Latvian Armed Forces.
Latvian National Armed Forces state that professional service soldiers and members of the National Guard, who have a contract for service in the National Armed Forces, are not allowed to participate in another country's armed conflict. The Ministry of Defence calls on all Latvian citizens to show their patriotism and join the National Guard or to undergo training as volunteer reservists. The soldiers and members of the National Guard already in the service are the ones, who can provide high-quality training and integration of newcomers into their units!
The Ministry of Defence was in regular contact with the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Armed Forces. Ukrainian officials point out that the partner country's soldiers and civilian population mainly need supplies of combat equipment, ammunition, fuel, medical equipment and medicines. The Defence Department, in co-operation with other public administration institutions and non-governmental organizations, has been working continuously since 24 February to provide the necessary supplies to the people of Ukraine.
The Ministry of Defence was cooperating with the charity organization Ziedot.lv, which opened a donation account to raise funds for the people of Ukraine and coordinates the use of donated funds to provide the necessary support and critical needs to the Ukrainian armed forces.
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