In regards to the Russian Federation's attack on Ukraine, the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia amended the National Security Law on 28 February 2022, allowing Latvian citizens voluntarily join the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The amendments came into force on 1 March 2022. Volunteers wanting to join the newly established International Territorial Defence Battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces should contact the Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia. More information will be available on the website of the Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia.

After having received confirmation from the Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia, the volunteer is obliged to notify the Mobilization Board of the National Armed Forces by writing a physically or electronically signed letter (address: Krustabaznīcas iela 9, Riga, LV-1006; e-mail address: rpus@mil.lv), indicating his / her name, surname, personal identification code, type of service and service in the country. More information will be available on the website of the Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia.

At the same time, the Ministry of Defence and the National Armed Forces, before engaging in active hostilities in Ukraine, call on citizens seriously assess their military knowledge and skills, which can be acquired in peace by joining the Latvian Armed Forces.

Latvian National Armed Forces state that professional service soldiers and members of the National Guard, who have a contract for service in the National Armed Forces, are not allowed to participate in another country's armed conflict. The Ministry of Defence calls on all Latvian citizens to show their patriotism and join the National Guard or to undergo training as volunteer reservists. The soldiers and members of the National Guard already in the service are the ones, who can provide high-quality training and integration of newcomers into their units!

The Ministry of Defence is in regular contact with the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Armed Forces. Ukrainian officials point out that the partner country's soldiers and civilian population mainly need supplies of combat equipment, ammunition, fuel, medical equipment and medicines. The Defence Department, in co-operation with other public administration institutions and non-governmental organizations, has been working continuously since 24 February to provide the necessary supplies to the people of Ukraine.

It has already been reported that the Ministry of Defence is cooperating with the charity organization Ziedot.lv, which has opened a donation account to raise funds for the people of Ukraine and coordinates the use of donated funds to provide the necessary support and critical needs to the Ukrainian armed forces.

Additional information about donations and contributions to the Ukrainian National Armed Forces can be found here: https://www.mod.gov.lv/en/support-ukraine

The Ministry of Defence emphasizes that personal equipment required for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which is traded by specially licensed companies, cannot be purchased by private individuals, and that the export of military or dual-use goods requires an export license (tel. +371 67016430)

The National Bank of Ukraine has opened an account in support of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to receive fund transfers from international partners and donors  -  UA843000010000000047330992708.

Requisites for donations outside the European Union: https://bit.ly/ZiedoUkrainasArmijai

Media contacts:
Media Relations Section
Military Public Affairs Department
Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv
Website: www.mod.gov.lv