Latvian defence minister begins first visit to Ukraine

Latvian Defence Minister Raivis Melnis has begun his first official visit to Ukraine, where he is expected to hold a series of high-level meetings focused on expanding defence cooperation between the two countries.

According to a statement posted on X by Latvia’s Foreign Ministry, the visit aims to strengthen military ties, explore opportunities for Latvian industry participation in Ukraine’s defence sector, and discuss the establishment of joint ventures, Caliber.Az reports.

Aizsardzības ministrs Raivis Melnis ir devies pirmajā ārvalstu vizītē uz Ukrainu. 🇱🇻 🤝🇺🇦

Plānotas vairākas augsta līmeņa tikšanās, lai stiprinātu abu valstu militāro sadarbību, pārrunātu Latvijas industrijas iesaisti Ukrainas aizsardzībā un kopīgu uzņēmumu veidošanu.… pic.twitter.com/MzY2UaqHnp

— Aizsardzības ministrija (@AizsardzibasMin) June 12, 2026

The talks are intended to deepen practical cooperation in security and defence, particularly amid ongoing regional security challenges.

By Sabina Mammadli