Latvian Defense Minister Arrives in Ukraine on First Official Foreign Visit

Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis has arrived in Kyiv on his first foreign visit since taking office, per the state’s Defense Ministry.

According to the report on X, Melnis has a series of high-level meetings scheduled during his visit to the Ukrainian capital.

The purpose of the talks is to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries, discuss the participation of Latvian industry in supporting Ukraine’s defense, and explore the creation of joint defense ventures.

According to earlier reports, Ukrainian military drone specialists will travel to Latvia next week to help strengthen defenses against growing aerial threats following recent drone incursions into Baltic airspace.

On Wednesday, Latvian Prime Minister said that Ukrainian experts with frontline combat experience will assess Latvia’s air defense capabilities and recommend improvements.

“We will know what technical equipment is necessary to protect our skies to the best level,” Kulbergs said.

The Melnis’ visit also follows the signing of a bilateral drone cooperation agreement between Kulbergs and President Volodymyr Zelensky during the Nordic-Baltic prime ministers’ summit.

Kulbergs said both Latvia and NATO must adapt more “rapidly” to evolving drone threats, stressing that traditional approaches are no longer sufficient.

“We need to move to someone who knows best in the world how to do that,” he said, referring to Ukraine’s experience defending against Russian drone attacks.

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Lasting Peace for Ukraine Is Key to Black Sea Security

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said a just and lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia is essential for ensuring long-term security in the Black Sea region. Speaking during a visit to Bulgaria, Fidan said Ankara would continue supporting diplomatic efforts while emphasizing that ending the war remains the strongest guarantee of regional stability.

Zelensky said the agreement will allow Kyiv’s allies to benefit from Ukraine’s battlefield experience and improve regional defenses.

“It is important that this also involves Ukraine’s expertise and experience to strengthen our partners,” he said, adding that Ukraine wants every region of Europe to be protected from Russian threats.

Latvia has been among Ukraine’s strongest supporters throughout the war, providing military aid, training, and political backing.