Ukraine has asked Latvia to support the rapid delivery of air defence equipment, unmanned ground vehicles, fibre-optic-controlled drones and additional strike capabilities as Kyiv sets out its current battlefield priorities, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Evgeniy Khmara and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Mykhailo Drapatyi discussed the requirements during a meeting with Latvian Defence Minister Raivis Melnis, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence announced on 29 August.
The Ukrainian side identified four areas as priorities: unmanned ground vehicles, fibre-optic-controlled drones, what the ministry described as “middle-strike capabilities”, and air defence assets. Khmara also stressed the need for equipment identified as urgent to reach Ukrainian forces as quickly as possible, making delivery times part of the discussions alongside the type of equipment being sought.
Fibre-optic-controlled drones have taken on a growing battlefield role because the control link is carried through a physical fibre rather than relying on a conventional radio connection. The approach can allow operators to retain control in environments where radio-frequency links are heavily disrupted, although the systems bring their own operational limitations.
Unmanned ground vehicles have similarly been employed for an expanding range of battlefield tasks, including logistics and other activities in areas where exposing personnel carries additional risk. Ukraine has increasingly sought to expand the use of uncrewed systems across land, air and maritime operations.
Air defence remains another continuing requirement for Kyiv as Russian forces employ combinations of missiles and uncrewed attack aircraft against targets across Ukraine. The Ukrainian ministry did not identify particular air defence systems being requested from Latvia in its account of the meeting.
Latvia, meanwhile, intends to continue providing security assistance to Ukraine worth at least 0.25% of its gross domestic product each year. Kyiv said it is also looking to Riga to work with other governments and through multinational initiatives to generate further military assistance. The two defence delegations discussed areas beyond the immediate supply of equipment, including rehabilitation for Ukrainian military personnel, training and the development of cyber capabilities.
Ukraine also offered to share operational experience with Latvia. According to the ministry, this could include lessons from multi-domain operations, territorial defence and the construction and development of modern fortifications.
Latvia has been among the NATO members providing sustained military assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
