Latvia: Ukraine Must Have the Right to Use Everything on the Battlefield Without Any Restrictions

Latvia will continue to allocate 0.25% of its GDP to aid Ukraine. This has already been included in the country’s budget for 2025-2026, stated Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs in a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

"It is clear that we also need NATO’s support to provide Ukraine with everything it needs and do so immediately. Ukraine must have the right to use everything it has received on the battlefield without any restrictions," emphasized Rinkēvičs.

The Latvian president noted that allies must make efforts to strengthen NATO, including increasing funding for the defense and security sector, with the minimum level set at 2% of GDP.

Rinkēvičs emphasized that Russia and its satellite Belarus will not stop at Ukraine. Furthermore, he stated that they continue to produce and test weapons in order to position themselves as a global power.

"Latvia currently allocates 3.4% of its GDP to defense. Clearly, under these circumstances, member countries can no longer talk solely about 2% of GDP; significantly larger amounts must be dedicated to defense. Therefore, in my opinion, 2.5% or 3% should be considered the necessary minimum," stated the President of Latvia.

In an interview with DW on October 16, Rinkēvičs urged the West to enhance its support for Kyiv in its fight against Russia and cautioned against fatigue in assisting Ukraine.