Latvian government will allocate an additional 10 million euros for a Czech-led initiative to buy artillery shells for Ukraine. The initiative aims to provide 500,000 155 mm shells and 300,000 122 mm shells to Ukraine. Countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Canada, Poland, France, Denmark, and Slovenia have also contributed funds to this initiative. The first batch of ammunition is scheduled to arrive in Ukraine in June. Latvia’s contribution will allow the allies to purchase over 3,000 rounds of 155 mm shells. Additionally, Latvia has been supporting Ukraine through the drone coalition, providing nearly 100 UAVs and planning to ship around 1,000 attack drones in June.
Latvia’s support for Ukraine extends beyond just providing ammunition. The Latvian government has been one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters since the outbreak of the war, allocating 0.25% of its GDP annually for military aid to Ukraine. In April, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina stated that Riga’s military aid to Kyiv had amounted to 392 million euros since February 2022. Apart from the artillery shells, Latvia has also committed to providing domestically-produced drones and radar systems to Ukraine. The country’s support for Ukraine is part of its ongoing efforts to bolster Kyiv’s defense capabilities and help in the fight against Russian aggression.
The Czech-led initiative to provide artillery shells to Ukraine has received support from multiple countries, demonstrating the international community’s commitment to assisting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. The collaborative efforts have resulted in significant contributions towards the purchase of ammunition for Ukraine. The Latvian government’s decision to allocate additional financial aid for shells purchasing underscores its commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts. The first batch of ammunition is expected to arrive in Ukraine in June, marking an important milestone in the initiative’s progress.
In addition to the support for artillery shells, Latvia has also been actively involved in providing military aid to Ukraine through the drone coalition. The coalition, established in cooperation with the U.K., aims to bolster Ukraine’s arsenal of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Latvia has already supplied Ukraine with nearly 100 UAVs and plans to send around 1,000 attack drones of various capacities in June. The coalition has raised over 500 million euros to purchase drones for Ukraine, further enhancing Kyiv’s defense capabilities. Latvia’s commitment to providing military support to Ukraine demonstrates its solidarity with the country in the face of Russian aggression.
Looking ahead, Latvia has announced plans to continue providing military support to Ukraine in the coming years. The country has committed to offering military aid worth 0.25% of its GDP to Ukraine in 2024 and 2025. This year, Kyiv is set to receive 112 million euros in military aid from Latvia. The ongoing support from Latvia underscores the importance of international cooperation in supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts. By providing financial aid, artillery shells, drones, and radar systems to Ukraine, Latvia is playing a crucial role in helping Kyiv defend itself against Russian aggression and maintain its sovereignty. The solidarity and support from countries like Latvia are essential in helping Ukraine navigate through these challenging times.
