In Brussels, the Ukrainian Minister of Defence met with his Latvian counterpart, Andris Sprūds, to discuss further military cooperation between the two countries.

Rustem Umerov expressed gratitude to Latvia for the nation's unwavering military and financial support of Ukraine. “Mr. Sprūds assured continued assistance, both on the battlefield and in our path toward NATO membership,” said the Ukrainian Defence Minister.

It was reaffirmed that Latvia will allocate 0.25% of its GDP, amounting to EUR 120 million, to help Ukraine. The parties also discussed broadening the Drone Coalition initiative, in which Latvia continues to play a leading role.

“I specifically thanked Latvia for its leadership role in this initiative,” Rustem Umerov emphasized.

The ministers agreed to unite their efforts in enhancing the efficiency of UAV deployment and established frameworks for funding the acquisition of long-range drones for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.