Latvia's practical support to Ukraine since the start of war reaches almost EUR 1 billion - report

RIGA - Latvia's practical support to Ukraine since the beginning of the war amounts to almost EUR 1 billion, according to the annual report of Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity) on the achievements and planned activities in the country's foreign policy and European Union (EU) issues in 2026.

The report points out that Latvia's position in support of Ukraine remains unchanged and that it should continue to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine, while European countries should play a leading role and increase their contribution to Ukraine to at least 0.25 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP).

The report also states that Latvia in international organizations and in bilateral dialogue with countries of the world's regions defends Ukraine's right to self-defense against aggression, and calls for all forms of support for Ukraine and for increased political, military, economic and diplomatic pressure against Russia and countries that enable its aggression. Latvian officials maintain an active dialogue with Ukraine, and regular visits to Ukraine are also made.

The report notes that significant work has been done in the Coalition of the Willing, working with allies on post-war security guarantees for Ukraine, and Latvia has joined an international initiative to help bring home Ukrainian children criminally deported by Russia.

Latvia provides political, diplomatic and practical assistance to Ukraine, including military, humanitarian, financial, reconstruction and development support.

On the basis of the agreement on long-term support and security commitments signed between Latvia and Ukraine in April 2024, Latvia is providing Ukraine with military support of 0.25 percent of GDP and reconstruction assistance of EUR 15 million from 2024 to 2026.

The report notes that Latvia's military support to Ukraine in 2025 included purchases from Latvia's military industry, contributions to coalitions of capabilities in support of Ukraine, including Latvia's leadership of the Drone Coalition, and military training of Ukrainian soldiers.

In 2025, Latvia joined NATO's Ukraine Priority Needs List initiative with EUR 7.2 million, and also participated in the NATO Security Assistance and Training Mission in Ukraine. Latvia also joined NATO's Renovator initiative to modernize Ukraine's military medical and rehabilitation system.

Given that Ukraine spends around 60 percent of its budget on financing its war expenditures, Latvia was actively involved in the negotiations on European Union (EU) support to Ukraine for the period 2026-2027, including lobbying initiative to channel the Russian Central Bank assets to stabilize Ukraine's fiscal situation and rebuild the country.

In December 2025, EU Member States agreed to freeze indefinitely the immobilized assets of the Central Bank of Russia and the December European Council decided in favor of an EU loan solution to provide financing for Ukraine for the next two years.