Latvia spent approximately 0.3% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on military support for Ukraine last year, Foreign Minister Baiba Braze told journalists on January 8 following an inter-institutional meeting on the implementation of the Latvia-Ukraine security commitments agreement.
She noted that Russia’s ongoing bombardments had severely affected Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
“It has not been completely destroyed, but there are major disruptions in energy redistribution in certain regions of Ukraine. This is a deliberate policy by Russia,” Braze said.
The minister stressed that Latvia must work closely with Ukraine to clearly understand what Latvia could provide and what Ukrainians needed.
Military support will also continue, Braze emphasizes.
“What Ukrainians need, we are giving and will continue to give,” she underlined.
Latvia had committed to allocating at least 0.25% of GDP to Ukraine’s military support in 2025, but as of the end of the year this proportion was exceeded.
“At the end of the year, we allocated additional funds specifically to procure NATO weapons from the United States,” Braze explained.
This year as well, Latvia plans to provide military support amounting to at least 0.25% of GDP.
In addition, Latvia has contributed to the Energy Community Fund, which finances, among other things, the purchase of generators.
“This also gives Latvian manufacturers of energy infrastructure equipment the opportunity to participate in tenders and supply goods to Ukraine,” the Foreign Minister noted, adding that companies in Latvia’s defense sector could also benefit and develop as a result.
Braze also revealed that the situation regarding Ukrainian civilians in Latvia had changed compared to the first year of the war, and this issue was discussed at the meeting. She said various ministries were assessing how to continue providing support while adapting it to the current reality. As a result, support in certain areas will be reduced.
The meeting also addressed Latvia’s support for Ukraine in international organizations, particularly efforts to prevent Russia from being elected to positions in those bodies.
“In this respect, we as the international community have actually been very successful,” Braze said. (BNN)