On 1 March 2022, the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia approved two draft orders proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the allocation of financing from the State budget “Contingency Funds” programme. The draft orders envisage channelling 2.4 million euros towards the provision of support to Ukraine.
Latvia will pay a half of that amount, 1.2 million euros, into the European Peace Instrument, in line with the decision taken for the first time in the history of the European Union to deliver weapons to a third country and an agreement achieved at the Foreign Affairs Council on 27 February to immediately deliver weapons and equipment to the Ukrainian armed.
Further 1.2 million euros will be channelled into the provision of emergency assistance to Ukraine in response to requests from the Ukrainian government. This amount will enable Latvia to decide without delay on contributions to international organisations providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine, ensure rehabilitation in Latvia for Ukrainian soldiers and their family members, offer assistance to the representatives of Ukrainian institutions in emergency situations, and provide the necessary support for independent media and journalists in Ukraine. This allocation will also allow Latvia to respond to Moldova’s request for assistance with receiving Ukrainian refugees. In addition, support is envisaged for the selfless work of Latvia’s civil society organisations and the private sector as they are organising and offering much-needed assistance to Ukrainian partners.
Until now, 30 deliveries have been sent to the Ukrainian Armed Forces with support from the Government of Latvia, as well as individual equipment and ammunition. The said deliveries also contain donations, including food, essential items, and medical supplies.
Latvia condemns in the strongest terms Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as a gross violation of international norms as well as Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Latvian officials in the EU and NATO formats, and also in intensive bilateral contacts, have advocated a strong international response, including sanctions, as well as humanitarian, economic and military support for Ukraine.