Ukraine and Latvia are collaborating to increase joint drone production, with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressing gratitude for Latvia’s leadership in the drone coalition. This coalition, co-led by the U.K. and Latvia, aims to enhance Ukraine’s arsenal of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In addition to the founding states, seven countries have joined the alliance, including Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Sweden, Estonia, and Denmark. The increasing production of drones is crucial for Ukraine, especially in the face of intensified missile and drone strikes by Moscow targeting critical infrastructure, such as thermal power plants. Latvia has been a strong supporter of Ukraine, providing significant military aid and resources.
During a press conference, Kuleba and Latvian counterpart Baiba Braze discussed plans to boost drone production and exchanged information on the needs of Ukrainian thermal power plants. In response to recent attacks by Moscow on Ukraine’s vital infrastructure, Braze announced that the Latvian state-owned company Latvenergo will provide a 215 MW generator to help cover Ukraine’s energy requirements. Notably, Russia’s intensified missile and drone strikes have caused significant damage to key power plants across the country, impacting the electricity supply to various regions. With the support of Latvia, Ukraine aims to strengthen its defense capabilities and resilience against future attacks.
Latvia’s commitment to assisting Ukraine in enhancing its security and defense capabilities is evident through its substantial military aid and support. The Latvian prime minister revealed that Riga’s military aid to Kyiv has amounted to 392 million euros, including an upcoming defense aid package scheduled for April. Moreover, the drone coalition, led by Latvia and the U.K., has raised over 500 million euros to procure drones for Ukraine. This financial support will significantly contribute to bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities, particularly in the face of escalating threats and attacks from Russia. The collaboration between Latvia and Ukraine underscores the importance of international partnerships in strengthening security and stability in the region.
In a significant development, Ukrainian soldiers are already utilizing domestically-produced attack drones similar to the Russian Lancet drones on the frontlines, as reported by Ukrainian news outlets. This showcases Ukraine’s efforts to develop and deploy advanced technology for defense purposes, mirroring the capabilities of its adversaries. The utilization of these drones highlights Ukraine’s commitment to innovation and modernization in its defense sector, enabling its armed forces to effectively combat threats and protect the country’s sovereignty. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Ukraine aims to enhance its military capabilities and stay ahead of potential adversaries, ensuring national security and defense in a volatile geopolitical environment.
The recent 10-year bilateral security agreement signed between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Latvian counterpart Edgars Rinkevics further solidifies the partnership between the two countries in addressing mutual security challenges. This agreement underscores the shared commitment to enhancing security cooperation and coordination in the face of evolving threats and regional instability. By strengthening ties with Latvia and other allies, Ukraine seeks to bolster its defense capabilities, deter aggression, and safeguard its sovereignty. The collaboration in joint drone production, military aid, and security agreements demonstrates the importance of collective efforts in addressing security challenges and promoting stability in the region. The support of Latvia and other allies is crucial in reinforcing Ukraine’s defense posture and resilience in the midst of ongoing security threats.
