Latvia's aid to Ukraine exceeded 1% of the country's GDP last year

RIGA - Latvia's support to Ukraine has exceeded 1 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) over the past year, Santa Jirgensone, consultant of the State Chancellery's (VK) Communications Department, informed LETA.

On Friday, it will be a year since Russia started its full-scale war in Ukraine. "During this time, Ukraine and its people have shown unrelenting resistance to Russia's efforts to conquer Ukrainian territories and subjugate its people. The support provided by Western democracies, with Latvia one of the most active participants, also played an important role in maintaining this Ukrainian resistance," VK says in a statement.

"We see that during the year the entire Western world, the European Union (EU), NATO, has come together to support Ukraine. Latvia has been one of the countries that has provided the largest various types of support to Ukraine, namely more than 1 percent of the country's GDP. Our society has also widely supported the Ukrainian people. We will continue to support Ukraine as long as it is necessary," said Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity).

He emphasizes that since February 2022, Latvia is one of the most active countries that condemns Russia's aggression against Ukraine and advocates a strong international reaction against the regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin. At meetings of the EU, NATO and other international organizations, Latvian officials have expressed support for sanctions against Russia and emphasized the need to help Ukraine.

Latvia has set an example for other Western democracies - the humanitarian, economic and military aid provided by our country to Ukraine and Ukrainians has been proportionally one of the largest. Both the government and the non-governmental sector and society as a whole are involved in the provision of this aid, added the Prime Minister.

By providing military equipment and other equipment necessary for the defense of Ukraine, such as drones, helicopters, howitzers, generators, SUVs and other assistance, the Latvian state and society have dedicated more than EUR 380 million in total until February of this year.

Humanitarian aid was also provided, and public involvement was significant, with Latvian residents donating money, goods and vehicles, as well as providing shelter in their homes and properties. The government has ensured that medical equipment and medicines, buses and generators are delivered to the soldiers and civilians of Ukraine, destroyed homes are restored and other necessary support is provided, the VK points out.

Karins emphasizes that assistance to Ukraine is still ongoing and will continue as long as necessary. "It is important to provide continuous aid to Ukraine until Russia is defeated in the war, because only in this way will it be possible to maintain sustainable peace in Europe. Thank you to the civil society of Latvia, which understands the importance of this issue and is selflessly and tirelessly involved in providing support to Ukraine," said Karins.