Latvia has delivered a new batch of six-wheeled Patria armored personnel carriers to Ukraine’s Defense Forces as part of its ongoing military assistance to bolster Kyiv’s fight against Russian aggression, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announced Wednesday.
The handover ceremony took place in Kyiv during Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa’s working visit to Ukraine, where she met with Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Maj. Valerii Churkin and Col. Andriy Biletskyi, commander of the Ukrainian Army’s 3rd Army Corps.
“This marks the first shipment of armored vehicles we pledged during my previous meeting with President Zelenskyy,” Siliņa said. “We are proud to stand with Ukraine continuously, not only militarily but also financially, politically, and emotionally. Latvia will continue advocating for strong international support for Ukraine among European and global leaders.”
According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, the newly delivered Patria armored vehicles are expected to enhance mobility and survivability for Ukrainian assault units operating under high-threat conditions.
Churkin expressed gratitude to the Latvian government and people for their steadfast support and highlighted Latvia’s leadership in the international Drone Coalition as well as its active role in other capability coalitions aiding Ukraine’s war effort.
“Today’s support directly strengthens the mobility and protection of our forces, enhancing operational capabilities on the battlefield,” Churkin said. “Your commitments reflect a clear strategic vision and a firm stance on European security.”
Col. Biletskyi noted that the vehicles would equip one of the most experienced assault brigades within the 3rd Army Corps.
“This is the best and possibly newest equipment the brigade has ever received,” Biletskyi said. “These vehicles will save the lives of our soldiers and shorten the lives of the occupiers.”
Latvia’s delivery of the Patria vehicles follows a series of defense contributions from the Baltic nation, underscoring Riga’s role as one of Ukraine’s staunchest allies in Europe. Latvian officials have emphasized the importance of feedback from Ukrainian troops to assess how the vehicles perform under combat conditions and to inform potential upgrades.
As noted by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, the Patria vehicles are part of Latvia’s broader commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and to strengthening NATO’s eastern flank in the face of Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Latvia’s assistance comes amid heightened fighting in eastern Ukraine and renewed appeals from Kyiv for continued Western aid to sustain operations and push back against entrenched Russian positions.