Zelensky says has signed 10-year bilateral security deal with Latvia

VILNIUS - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that he and his Latvian counterpart had signed a bilateral security deal, as he held talks in Lithuania with leaders on support for his war-torn country.

Latvia's president "and I just signed a bilateral security agreement... It envisages Latvia's annual military support for Ukraine at 0.25% of GDP. Latvia also made a 10-year commitment to assist Ukraine with cyber-defense, de-mining and unmanned technologies," Zelensky posted on X.

The Foreign Ministry told LETA that the Agreement reaffirms Latvia’s strong and unwavering support to Ukraine in its fight against the aggressor. Latvia will provide Ukraine with comprehensive military and non-military assistance of Latvia to Ukraine as well as continuing support towards its membership of the European Union and NATO.

Under the Agreement, Latvia commits itself to providing Ukraine with military support to the amount of 0.25 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2026, as well as support of EUR 5 million annually for Ukraine’s reconstruction until 2026.

The Agreement lays down specific areas of military support, including activities in the Latvian-led Coalition of Drones, the supply of military equipment and weapons, and training of military personnel.

One of the key elements of the Agreement is the establishment of a consultation mechanism in the event of a repeated armed attack by Russia on Ukraine in the future.

Latvia’s non-military support concerns development cooperation, support for the reconstruction of the Chernihiv region, cooperation in the field of digital, energy and cyber security, as well as prevention of hybrid threats. The Agreement also provides for close cooperation in international organisations, among other things, by Ukraine expressing formal support for the candidacy of Latvia for a seat on the United Nations Security Council (2026–2027).

The Agreement has been concluded for the term of ten years, with the possibility of being amended and extended by both parties. It is implementing Latvia’s long-term commitments under the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine signed on July 12, 2023 by the Group of Seven (G7) and partner countries. The Agreement was drawn up by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in close cooperation with the line ministries. The Foreign Ministry also led negotiations with the Ukrainian side.

The Agreement was signed in Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, during the Three Seas Initiative Summit.