Ukraine to Send Experts to Latvia to Help Build Up Air Defense

Ukraine will send air defense experts to Latvia to share expertise and help strengthen the country’s airspace protection.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this after meeting with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs in Romania.

Ukraine also plans to sign a Drone Deal with Latvia to develop a multi-layered air defense system against various aerial threats.

“We will send our experts to Latvia to share experience and provide direct assistance in protecting its airspace. It is important to work together to strengthen Europe’s defense,” Volodymyr Zelensky said.

During the meeting, the presidents also discussed the broader regional security situation. The Ukrainian president stressed that the root cause of all current challenges and threats is Russia and its aggression.

On May 10, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Ukraine is ready to help the Baltic states and Finland prevent drone-related airspace violations, including by sending Ukrainian specialists.

He said the investigation showed that the recent crash of a Ukrainian drone in Latvia was caused by Russian electronic warfare systems, which intentionally diverted the drone toward Latvian territory.

A Ukrainian military expert team will also work in Lithuania to help develop the necessary security capabilities.

The main focus will be countering modern threats and strengthening the security of both countries and the wider region.

Ukraine and Lithuania have also signed a bilateral cooperation agreement that includes joint drone production.

According to Volodymyr Zelensky, the agreement is designed to strengthen the defense capabilities of both countries. He noted that it is based on reciprocity, with Ukraine supporting partners that provide substantial and practical assistance to its defense efforts.

Previously, the governments of the United States and Ukraine had prepared a draft memorandum outlining the terms of a possible new drone cooperation agreement between the two countries.