On 20 January, 2021, National Armed Forces of Latvia handed over 7 vehicles to the Ukrainian army to help enhance its military medical support capabilities. Donation is a part of Latvia’s support to Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration efforts.

The official handover ceremony, which took place at the National Armed Force Air Base in Lielvārde, was attended by Dr Artis Pabriks, Deputy Prime Minister, Defence Minister of Latvia and Olexandr Mischenko, Ambassador of Ukraine.

“Fight for Ukraine’s territorial integrity continues despite the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting global economic downturn. Latvia must continue to help Ukraine with whatever we can offer in these circumstances, because Ukraine is our close defence cooperation partner”, stressed Deputy Prime Minister, Defence Minister Dr Artis Pabriks.

“Ukraine highly values Latvia’s permanent support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the Russian aggression against Ukraine. We highly appreciate the support of Latvia for reforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine aimed at achieving NATO standards through participation in the Enhanced Opportunity Program. On behalf of the Ukrainian side let me express my deep gratitude to Minister Pabriks, and the Latvian Side for providing humanitarian assistance to the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk”, underscored Ambassador of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko.

During the meeting between Olexandr Mischenko, Ambassador of Ukraine and Dr Artis Pabriks, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia, the parties discussed the significance of developing cooperation between the two states along with providing political support for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and struggle for territorial integrity and sovereignty while repulsing the armed aggression of the Russian Federation committed against Ukraine.

Particular attention was given to developing the partnerships centred on collective security on the European continent along with boosting cooperation that provides logistical assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as supporting its reforming process to achieve interoperability and NATO standards through participation in the Enhanced Opportunity Program within Ukraine’s status as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner of the Alliance.

Upon request of the Ukrainian side, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia decided to allocate 45 thousand euros for the rehabilitation programme in Latvia for Ukrainian soldiers who have been injured during the Russian aggression against Ukraine.