In Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Latvia Evika Siliņa to discuss further defense support for Ukrainian warriors and Ukraine’s path to European integration.
The Head of State expressed his gratitude that Evika Siliņa, together with her team, visited Ukraine precisely on the Day of Ukrainian Statehood.
“We truly count on your country, and we know that Latvia – the state and its people – are great friends of Ukraine and Ukrainians,” said the President.
Evika Siliņa assured that Latvia will continue to support Ukraine. According to the Prime Minister, the country has already begun delivering the promised defense aid package agreed upon during the last leaders’ meeting. This package includes, among other items, 42 Patria armored vehicles.
“We are grateful for your substantial support and the delivery of the promised Patria armored vehicles. This is a very strong signal for our army, for our soldiers,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
The Head of State also expressed gratitude for the new military aid package, amounting to EUR 70 million, approved by the Latvian Government on July 1.
In addition, the President praised Latvia’s decision to allocate 0.25% of its GDP for defense aid to Ukraine and Latvia’s co-leadership in the drone coalition.
“I hope you will defeat Russia. We are all together. We have to. There is no other way. We must continue pressuring Putin to push him out of Ukraine and keep him away from our homes. Because it’s serious for us as well,” Evika Siliņa stated.
During the meeting, they discussed the situation on the battlefield, the effectiveness of drones, the provision of supplies to Ukrainian warriors, and mechanisms for financing military aid within the framework of the European Union’s SAFE program (Security Assistance for Europe).
The leaders also talked about the practical delivery of new defense aid packages from NATO member countries.
Furthermore, they discussed political support for Ukraine’s EU membership and the efforts required to open six negotiating clusters this year. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Evika Siliņa share the same vision: it is important to do everything possible to unblock the negotiation process as soon as possible.