At the beginning of the full-scale war, Latvian President Egils Levits said that russia should be isolated from the rest of the world and called for assistance to Ukrainians. Since the first day of russia’s military aggression, the Republic of Latvia has steadfastly supported and will continue to provide political, economic, military and humanitarian support to Ukraine as long as necessary. The priorities of the Government of Latvia are to provide all possible assistance to Ukraine, maintain sanctions policy against russia, bring the terrorist country to justice for its aggression and collect reparations. Ukraine enjoys Latvia’s support for its future status as an EU candidate and support for NATO membership in perspective.

Latvia has consistently emphasised that Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty must be restored within its internationally recognised borders, and only Ukraine has the right to decide when, where and on what conditions russian aggression can be considered ended. Latvia rejects any pressure on Ukraine on this issue. Also, the country will act as an advocate for Ukraine in the issue of establishing a special tribunal against the russian federation.

atvia will provide medical assistance to wounded Ukrainian soldiers. The treatment will take place as part of cooperation between Latvian and Ukrainian medical institutions. For the first time since the start of full-scale Russian aggression, Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital (RAKUS) has already treated 21 seriously wounded Ukrainians from the war zone. In total, Riga plans to receive about 120 people this year.

In addition to support at the state level, numerous charitable organisations have emerged in Latvia to help Ukrainians. For example, the week-long charity marathon Dod Pieci! (” Give Five!”), which ended on December 22, raised a record amount of €804,384 donations, which were sent to refugee children from Ukraine in Latvia. At the end of 2022, Latvian business and the Ukrainian diaspora in Latvia responded to the constant rocket attacks on Ukrainian cities by the aggressor. In particular, Latvijas Finieris and the Confederation of Ukrainians of Latvia “VICE”, in coordination with the Embassy of Ukraine, sent three trucks with fuel pellets in total weight of 70 tonnes to our country.  The Latvian benefactors handed over the vehicles, tactical and engineering protective equipment to Ukrainian border guards who are defending the country from russian aggression.  

The total amount of military aid to Ukraine from Latvia will reach €370 million, or more than 1% of Latvia’s GDP, of which our country has already received more than €300 million in military aid from Latvia. The country has provided weapons and personal equipment, dry rations, ammunition, anti-tank weapons, man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) Stinger and much more. In addition, Latvia sent to Ukraine converted ATVs for use in difficult terrain in combat zones and Atlas and Penguin drones. The Ukrainian Air Force also received two Mi-17 helicopters and two more Mi-2 from Latvia.

The country also conducts training for the Ukranian military on its territory. Latvia plans to double the number of Ukrainian military personnel who will undergo training in Latvia.  The country has committed itself to training 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers this year. This is twice the number of last year. Latvian military instructors will offer various training courses, starting with basic infantry training, demining, as well as medical courses and shooting training.

Latvia, together with other partners, will continue to support the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine and its infrastructure after the war is over. Latvia will invest €5 million in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

The development of mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation also remains an important priority for both countries. The analysis of export and import operations of Dnipropetrovsk region with Latvia demonstrates a high level of partnership, as this country is an important trade partner of the region.

In 2022, despite the military aggression of russia, the volume of exports from Dnipropetrovsk region increased by 7.3% to $14.2 million. Among the goods in greatest demand among Latvian consumers are railway locomotive parts, ferrous metals and products, agricultural products, plastics and polymeric materials, etc.

Export operations were carried out by 89 companies from Dnipropetrovsk region. The main exporting companies are enterprises of the metallurgical complex, agriculture and processing industry.

TOP-5 exporting companies (ranked by volume of exported products):

Imports of goods from Latvia to Dnipropetrovsk region totalled $31.0 million and decreased by 24.4% compared to 2021. Traditionally, Dnipropetrovsk region purchased pharmaceuticals, food, mineral fuels, plastics,polymers, and other goods.

Import operations were carried out by 53 importers.

TOP-5 importers (ranked by volume of imported products):

Imports consisted mainly of trade, processing, and food companies.

Source: information for the article was taken from open online sources