Latvia announces additional military assistance for Ukraine during Ramstein meeting

On Friday, 21 April, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia Ināra Mūrniece attended the tenth Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting in Ramstein (Germany). During the meeting, defence ministers expressed their unwavering commitment to continue supporting Ukraine as much as possible and make sure its military capabilities are sufficient to restore full control over its territory.

Defence Minister explained to her colleagues how Latvia plans to continue supporting Ukraine in terms of additional military assistance. ‘As Ukraine requested, Latvia will provide air defence systems. We have also decided to donate Ukraine all ‘Stinger’  air defence systems we have in stock. We will now make sure they reach Ukraine as soon as possible,’ Minister Mūrniece said.

It is also important to continue extensive training of Ukrainian soldiers. ‘Our aim was to double the number of Ukrainian officers trained in Latvia this year compared to 2022. As we can see, we will exceed the target for training members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces of various ranks. I believe we will train around 3,000 Ukrainian troops by the end of this year,’ Minister asserted. 

Defence Minister Mūrniece also indicated that Latvia and other allies are currently working on a new initiative for training of Ukrainian troops in Latvia.

Ināra Mūrniece concluded by underlining that Latvia is fully committed to continue helping Ukraine. Latvian government, NGOs and society are as keen to provide all sorts of support as before. It is critical for the democratic world to make sure people do not become fatigued by the war because that would play directly into Russia’s hands.

Ukraine Defence Contact Group is an alliance of more than 50 world countries that meets in Ramstein. Its purpose is to provide collective support to Ukraine, especially its armed forces that are trying to hold off Russian aggression against Ukraine and full-scale  invasion of its territory.

Contact information:
Roberts Skraučs
Head of the Media Relations Section
Military Public Affairs Department
Tel.: 67335393
E-mail: roberts.skraucs@mod.gov.lv