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Latvia and Ukraine Seek to Deepen Defense Ties at NATO Eastern Flank Summit
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Bucharest, Romania, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen defense cooperation between the two nations. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the summit for the Nordic countries and the NATO eastern flank states, known as the Bucharest Nine (B9).
The discussions focused on Latvia’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, with President Rinkēvičs reaffirming Latvia’s readiness to provide continued military and practical assistance. The two leaders also discussed Ukraine’s path toward reform and its Euro-Atlantic integration.
A central theme of the meeting was the strategic value of Ukraine’s evolving defense sector. President Rinkēvičs noted that Ukraine’s military capabilities and its growing defense industry are vital for the security of not only Latvia but the entirety of Europe. He specifically highlighted that Ukrainian-made weaponry and drones have been “proven and have demonstrated their effectiveness on the battlefield.”
This development underscores a shift toward mutual military learning. Latvia has expressed a strong interest in adopting Ukraine’s expertise in developing a defense industry and integrating those capabilities into the armed forces. The leaders explored potential ways Ukraine could contribute to strengthening Latvia’s own air defense capabilities.
The bilateral talks occurred amidst a broader regional push to fortify NATO’s presence in the east. During the summit, the B9 group emphasized the necessity of reinforcing military capabilities and defense on the eastern flank. Adding to this urgency, Braže stated that NATO’s deterrence and defense capacities in the region must be strengthened immediately, rather than over the course of several years, as detailed in reports via TVNET.
The coordinated focus on rapid military fortification and industrial cooperation suggests a growing regional consensus on the need for a more proactive and integrated defense posture in Eastern Europe.
Photos from President Edgars Rinkēvičs’ participation in the summit are available through the Office of the President.
