Latvia provides €10 Million for Ukraine's artillery ammunition needs.

As reported by Diena on May 14, 2024, Latvia decided during a closed government session to allocate 10 million euros for the purchase of artillery ammunition for Ukraine. This funding, confirmed by Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and Defense Minister Andris Spruds, will support the Czech Plan, introduced during the Munich Security Conference in February 2024 by Czech President Petr Pavel to address Ukraine's urgent need for artillery shells.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

With support from nearly 20 countries, the Czech Republic has initiated a project to supply Ukraine with 800,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, potentially increasing this to 1.5 million rounds within a year. (Picture source: US DoD)

With support from nearly 20 countries, the Czech Republic has initiated a project to supply Ukraine with 800,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, potentially increasing this to 1.5 million rounds within a year. This initiative involves collaboration with various Western nations and suppliers from Africa and Asia to address Ukraine's ammunition shortages in its conflict with Russia. Specifically, it includes the procurement of 500,000 rounds of NATO-standard 155mm shells and 300,000 rounds of 122mm shells, sourced from non-EU countries for quicker availability​. To date, almost all necessary funding has been gathered, with the first deliveries expected by June 2024.

This initiative is expected to partially address Ukraine's urgent need for ammunition amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, given the Ukrainian Army's requirements of 75,000–90,000 artillery shells per month for defensive operations, and 200,000–250,000 for major offensive activities. Confronted with challenges such as production limitations, increased prices in the global ammunition market, and political complexities within the EU and US, the Czech Republic's strategic approach involves fostering international cooperation and implementing innovative funding mechanisms to ensure a steady provision of artillery munitions to Ukraine.

Latvian Defense Minister Spruds indicated that the allocated amount will allow for the acquisition of over 3,000 rounds of 155-millimeter artillery ammunition. This decision is part of Latvia's ongoing financial commitments to Ukraine, which include military support pegged at 0.25% of its GDP annually for the next two years. For the current year, this commitment amounts to 112 million euros.

Since the escalation of the conflict due to Russia's full-scale invasion, Latvia has committed approximately 650 million euros in total support to Ukraine. This includes a variety of military supplies such as drones, helicopters, howitzers, small arms, personal equipment, ammunition, anti-tank weapons, air defense systems, radars, information technology equipment, land vehicles, and fuel.

On the civilian front, the Latvian "Entrepreneurs for Peace" fund, which unites more than 300 Latvian companies, has sent aid to Ukraine exceeding 10 million euros, including the delivery of dozens of vehicles. (Picture source: UznemejiMieram)

On the civilian front, Latvian companies have also played a significant role in aiding Ukraine. The "Entrepreneurs for Peace" fund, which unites more than 300 Latvian companies, has sent aid to Ukraine exceeding 10 million euros. With the support of donors, since February 24, 2022, the fund has provided 460 drones, 135 generators, 413 vehicles—including ambulances, tractors with trailers, and boats—104 scopes and night vision equipment, 525 mobile charging stations and computers, and 8,237 units of soldiers' clothing and equipment.

Donations amounting to 6.7 million euros have been directed towards strengthening the Ukrainian armed forces, 2 million euros towards humanitarian aid for Ukrainian civilians, 650 thousand euros towards supporting Ukrainian hospitals, and another 650 thousand euros have been used for reconstruction projects in Chernihiv and Jahidne. In 2024, aid worth 750 thousand euros was sent to Ukraine, making the total assistance 10,015,209.44 euros.

For instance, in March 2024, a convoy of vehicles was dispatched in close cooperation with the Latvian State Police to deliver vehicles, drones, mobile charging stations, and other supplies to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and National Police units. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, in a report approved by the government, stated that Latvia will prioritize the reconstruction of the Chernihiv region, where approximately 20,000 structures, over half of which are residential, have been destroyed. In the fall of 2022, "Entrepreneurs for Peace" implemented the first grant from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support this reconstruction effort. In 2023, the project "Construction of housing in Jahidne village of Chernihiv region" was carried out, with an investment of approximately 450,000 euros.

Marking the anniversary of the war, a charity concert titled "Dedication to Ukraine" was held at the Riga Circus Arena, gathering volunteers and raising over 500,000 euros through contributions from musicians, the public, and businesses. With the support of the State Police, more than 75 vehicles previously used by the police have been received by various units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard, and the National Police. Chief of the State Police, Armands Ruks, emphasized the Ukrainian police's role in maintaining internal security and participating in the war effort. He noted the necessity of the support provided and acknowledged the collaborative efforts with partners to equip Ukrainian colleagues with technical units to strengthen their capabilities.

In cooperation with the National Defense Academy of Latvia, new tablets and office equipment were delivered to the Land Forces Academy in Lviv and the National Guard Academy in Kharkiv as part of the "Donate to the training institutions of the Ukrainian Army" campaign. These academies prepare junior officers for various roles within the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including commanders of infantry, mechanized infantry, tank units, combat support, and combat service support specialties. Military specialist Zane Ribakova pointed out the ongoing preparation of future military leaders and the appreciation from Ukrainian colleagues for the support provided.