EU's 90 billion loan to Ukraine is a critical priority - Spruds to Zelensky

RIGA - A EUR 90 billion loan to Ukraine, supported by the European Parliament, is a critical priority that requires immediate and decisive action by European leaders to guarantee the country's stability and defense, Defense Minister Andris Spruds (Progressives) emphasized during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today.

According to the Defense Ministry, Spruds also highlighted the need to make more effective use of the European Union's SAFE instrument to ensure continued support for Ukraine, with particular focus on the development of drone capabilities.

The Drone Coalition has evolved from a direct support mechanism into a strategic and mutually beneficial cooperation platform, which provides a unique opportunity for the defense industries of Latvia and other allied countries to adopt real combat experience and technological solutions from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, said Spruds.

Exchange of knowledge and experience accelerates development of new unmanned systems and strengthens capacity of the local military industry, ensuring technological superiority both in the current security situation and in the long term, Spruds added.

The officials also discussed the recent launched of the Build With Ukraine initiative, which aims to bring together Ukraine's battle-tested defense industry with international partners to significantly increase production capacity for drones, munitions and robotic systems.

The two officials underlined the importance of the initiative for joint ventures in the defense industry, in particular for cooperation already established with Denmark, Sweden and Great Britain. Spruds and Zelensky agreed that decentralization and integration of production on this scale not only strengthened Ukraine's defense capabilities, but also contributed significantly to strengthening security of Europe as a whole.

Ukraine's future is tied to its full integration into the European Union, said Spruds. He expressed support for the EU accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, underlining their common path toward membership in the bloc.

The two officials also discussed Latvia's contribution to NATO initiative PURL to support Ukraine by purchasing US weapons, and the critical needs of Ukraine today. As reported, in February of this year the Cabinet of Ministers adopted a decision to contribute EUR 10 million to PURL, in addition to the EUR 7.2 million contributed in 2025.

At the end of the meeting, Spruds assured Zelensky that Latvia would continue to stand with Ukraine, providing the necessary support for as long as it was needed.

Latvia supports full restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders, said Spruds.