The Minister of Defense of Latvia, Raivis Melnis, met with the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Mikhail Fedorov, in Kyiv, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense of Latvia on Twitter.
After the meeting, Melnis reported that Latvia and Ukraine will expand strategic cooperation in the field of military technologies. An agreement was also reached to enhance Latvian-Ukrainian cooperation in the defense sector, including strengthening the drone coalition and integrating Latvian counter-drone systems.
For his part, Fedorov noted that Ukraine is expanding cooperation, focusing on developing contracts for drone supplies, implementing Latvian anti-drone systems, as well as supplying strike drones, unmanned ground platforms, and maritime drones to the front line.
According to Fedorov, the parties also discussed the possibilities of directing flexible credit instruments from the European Union to the most important needs of the Ukrainian battlefield, as well as expanding support through the PURL (Priority Ukraine Requirements List) mechanism.
In addition, Fedorov urged Latvian partners to utilize the Test in Ukraine initiative, which allows testing the latest developments in real war conditions.
Fedorov emphasized that Latvia and Ukraine are forming a mutually beneficial partnership that strengthens the future of European defense.
During the visit, there was also a meeting with representatives of the Azov Corps, where cooperation with the National Guard was discussed to enhance combat capability. According to Melnis, this cooperation provides the Latvian militia with deeper knowledge of the systems, training, and combat experience of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The minister also reported on a meeting with the command of the anti-drone defense of the Ukrainian Air Force. During the negotiations, the creation of a system was discussed that would ensure the security of the airspace on Latvia's eastern border using drone interception systems produced in Latvia.
Additionally, cooperation with the Third Army Corps of Ukraine and the mechanized infantry brigade of the Ground Forces was discussed.
After the meeting, 14 CVRT armored personnel carriers were transferred to Ukraine. In total, Latvia plans to transfer 41 units of CVRT combat equipment to the Ukrainian armed forces.
Melnis expressed confidence that the transferred equipment will enhance the capabilities of the Third Army Corps of Ukraine in combating the aggressor and help save the lives of military personnel.
