Having provided Ukraine with significant amounts of military support, Latvia has announced a further package, and supports Ukraine’s accession to both the European Union and NATO.
This was discussed at a meeting between Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Kariņs and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
Latvia, a former constituent state of the Soviet Union, was one of the first countries to declare its support for Ukraine after Russia invaded. It has thus far provided military aid worth some €300 million, and has committed to a further contribution worth €70 million.
Latvia has also been involved in the training of Ukrainian troops to NATO standards.
Latvia is in favour of Ukraine starting the process of joining the European Union immediately, and NATO as soon as the war is concluded.
Kariņs said at a media briefing: ‘Ukraine must win in this struggle for security and peace throughout Europe, and we sincerely believe that it will win. We also think about the future and, looking into it, we see the proper and worthy role of Ukraine as a member of our common family of the European Union. In all my conversations and appeals to colleagues from the EU, I have been stating that negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union should begin already this year.’
Latvia was also in favour of setting up a tribunal after the war to prosecute war crimes.
“Ukrainians appreciate the fact that you fight side by side with us, helping us with everything you have for the fight against the aggressor,” Shmyhal said.