Affirming Latvia's steadfast support for Ukraine until its victory, Sprūds and Umerovs also discussed the recent agreement between the two countries on the training of Ukrainian soldiers in the drone pilot program, noting that the first Ukrainian drone pilots have already started training in Latvia.
"Latvia has supported Ukraine since the first day of the war and is ready to continue providing assistance as long as it is necessary. Be it reconnaissance operations or targeted attacks, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have proven the high efficiency of drones in the fight against the enemy. By allocating 20 million euros to the drone coalition in 2025, we will strengthen Ukraine's drone capabilities," said Sprūds.
"Equally important are the skills to use drones effectively. By implementing the agreement on the training of Ukrainian soldiers in the drone pilot program in Latvia, we will have the opportunity to exchange experience and knowledge, as well as to strengthen the ability of Ukrainian soldiers to carry out drone attacks. The first Ukrainian drone pilots have already started training in Latvia," emphasized Sprūds.
"Latvia is an important ally of Ukraine. This applies to both military and humanitarian initiatives. We count on the fact that this comprehensive support will continue and deepen," said Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
The Minister of Defense met with the Chairman of the Parliament of Ukraine (Verkhovna Rada) Ruslana Stefanchuk and the Minister of Strategic Industry of Ukraine, Anna Gvozdyar, to discuss cooperation between the two countries in the field of defense industry development and ways to promote the development of new technological capabilities to ensure Ukraine's victory in the war.
Latvia continues to provide military assistance to the armed forces of Ukraine. The operation of the 'Drone Coalition' led by Latvia and the United Kingdom, the purchase of ammunition, the training of Ukrainian soldiers and the provision of material and technical means have been the main elements of support. According to the signed agreement between Latvia and Ukraine, every year until 2026, 0.25% of the gross domestic product, which is approximately 10% of Latvia's defense budget, is to be allocated to support Ukraine, making it per capita one of the largest donors to Ukraine's defense.
Since the establishment of the Drone Coalition in February of this year, Latvia has ensured the delivery of 3,000 combat drones of various types to Ukraine. Latvia allocates 20 million euros for the needs of the drone coalition this year.
Until the end of the year, the Ministry of Defense will continue to purchase drones manufactured in Latvia for the needs of Ukraine. The purchase amounts are divided into several purchases in order not only to provide an opportunity for companies to gradually increase production volumes, but also to provide an opportunity to adapt to the needs of Ukraine.
The drone coalition includes 16 member states: Latvia, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Estonia, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Ukraine, Germany and Sweden, and other countries are invited to join them.
