The newly appointed Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze visited Kyiv on April 26 to meet with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, emphasizing Latvia’s support for Ukraine. This visit marked Braze’s first bilateral visit abroad, highlighting the importance of Ukraine in Latvia’s foreign policy. The ministers honored those who have fallen in Russia’s war against Ukraine at the Wall of Remembrance in Kyiv. The details of the meeting were not disclosed by the ministry, but Latvia has been a strong supporter of Ukraine, providing significant military aid and participating in efforts to purchase drones for Ukrainian defense.
Latvia’s commitment to supporting Ukraine was further demonstrated by an announcement from Latvia’s Education Ministry that children in the country will no longer be taught Russian as a foreign language in schools starting from 2026. Instead, they will be required to learn a language from the European Union or the European Economic Area. This decision reflects Latvia’s efforts to align with European languages and values. The move may also have implications for linguistic diversity and cultural relations in Latvia and Ukraine.
In addition to the educational changes, Latvia has been actively involved in providing military aid to Ukraine. The Latvian government, led by Prime Minister Evika Silina, has allocated significant financial support for Ukraine, with a total amount reaching 392 million euros, including defense aid packages. Furthermore, a drone coalition co-led by the U.K. and Latvia has raised over 500 million euros to purchase drones for Ukraine’s defense. This collaboration underscores the close relationship and cooperation between Latvia and Ukraine in the realm of national security.
The strong partnership between Latvia and Ukraine extends beyond military and educational support. Recently, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement, solidifying their commitment to mutual security and cooperation. This agreement reflects the growing strategic alignment between the two countries in the face of regional security challenges. The ongoing diplomatic efforts and collaboration between Latvia and Ukraine are crucial in promoting stability and security in the region.
Overall, Latvia’s unwavering support for Ukraine, as demonstrated through various initiatives and agreements, highlights the importance of solidarity and cooperation in addressing regional security challenges. The visit of Foreign Minister Braze to Kyiv and the recent developments in education and military cooperation underscore the depth of the relationship between Latvia and Ukraine. By standing together and prioritizing shared values and security interests, both countries can work towards a more stable and prosperous future for their citizens and the broader region. The ongoing commitment to independent journalism in Ukraine reflects the necessity of transparency and accountability in addressing complex geopolitical issues.
