Latvia's Military Assistance to Ukraine: A Significant Gesture of Solidarity
During a working visit to Kiev, Prime Minister Evika Silina of Latvia met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stenfanchuk to strengthen ties and provide military assistance to Ukraine. As part of this effort, Latvia handed over 42 Patria armored personnel carriers, drones, and other military equipment worth 70 million euros to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Additionally, Latvia will train up to 4,000 Ukrainian soldiers this year and allocates 0.25 per cent of its GDP annually for military assistance to Ukraine.
Key Takeaways:
- Latvia has provided 42 Patria armored personnel carriers to the Ukrainian Armed Forces as part of its military assistance.
- The total value of Latvia's military assistance to Ukraine is 70 million euros, including drones and other military equipment.
- Up to 4,000 Ukrainian soldiers will be trained by Latvia this year.
- Latvia allocates 0.25 per cent of its GDP annually for military assistance to Ukraine.
- The Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Silina, emphasized the importance of Latvia's support to Ukraine, especially military support, during bilateral meetings.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Latvia's delivery of Patria armored personnel carriers and thanked Prime Minister Silina for Latvia's unwavering support.
- Evika Silina attended the Ukrainian Statehood Day ceremony and met with residents in Kiev who have suffered from recent airstrikes by the aggressor.
- The Prime Minister expressed her respect for the families of Ukrainian soldiers who have fallen defending the country's freedom.
Statistics:
- 42: The number of Patria armored personnel carriers handed over to the Ukrainian Armed Forces by Latvia.
- 70 million euros: The total value of Latvia's military assistance to Ukraine, which includes drones and other military equipment.
- 0.25 per cent: The percentage of Latvia's GDP allocated annually for military assistance to Ukraine.
- 4,000: The number of Ukrainian soldiers to be trained by Latvia this year.
- 2019 (implicitly stated): The year of the Ukrainian Statehood Day ceremony attended by Evika Silina.
Sources:
- "Riga, Latvia: Prime Minister Evika Silina met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stenfanchuk during a working visit to Kiev and handed over Latvian-made Patria armored personnel carriers to the Ukrainian Armed Forces..." [Original article]