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On Tuesday, 15 July 2025, during a working visit to Kyiv on Ukraine's Statehood Day, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament Ruslan Stefanchuk. During the visit, Prime Minister Siliņa officially handed over Latvian-produced "Patria" armoured personnel carriers to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"Promise made, promise kept! Last year, during my visit to Kyiv, I pledged that Latvia would supply 'Patria' armoured personnel carriers to Ukraine," stated Prime Minister Siliņa, as she ceremoniously handed over 15 armoured vehicles in Kyiv. "Today, I'm honoured to officially transfer them to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Latvia's support for Ukraine isn't just in words, but in real action. Ukraine's security is also our security; the Ukrainian struggle against the aggressor is also ours."
This year, Latvia's military aid to Ukraine includes 42 "Patria" armoured personnel carriers, as well as drones and other military equipment, totalling €70 million. Furthermore, Latvia continues to train Ukrainian soldiers, with up to 4,000 anticipated this year. Latvia also annually allocates 0.25% of its GDP to military support for Ukraine.
"Our nations are united by shared values and understanding. This human connection makes our co-operation exceptionally strong," said Prime Minister Siliņa. "Latvia has been, is, and will be with Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved."
Prime Minister Siliņa's working visit to Ukraine was at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During their bilateral meeting, President Zelenskyy emphasized the crucial importance of Latvia's support for Ukraine, particularly military assistance. The Ukrainian President also commended the hand-over of the "Patria" armoured personnel carriers and extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Siliņa for Latvia's relentless support.
"This isn't my first visit to Ukraine since Russia launched its brutal war. It's personally important for me to demonstrate that you aren't alone. Latvia is with you. The Latvian people stand with the Ukrainian people," emphasized the Latvian Prime Minister to the Ukrainian President.
As part of her visit, Prime Minister Siliņa attended the Ukrainian Statehood Day ceremony and met with residents in Kyiv who had suffered from recent aggressor airstrikes.
"It was an honour to be present at the ceremony honoring Ukrainian heroes, where the families of soldiers who have fallen defending Ukraine's freedom were also recognized," Prime Minister Siliņa reflected. "It was profoundly painful to witness a wife, with a child in her arms, receive her husband's posthumous award, as he had fallen due to Russian aggression while defending his family and country."
