Latvia has officially delivered a batch of the Patria 6x6 armored personnel carriers to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The handover was part of a new military aid package and coincided with an official visit to Kyiv by Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa. During the visit, she met with Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Major Valerii Churkin and Colonel Andrii Biletskyi, commander of the 3rd Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
This delivery marks the first installment of armored vehicles promised by Latvia during Evika Siliņa's previous visit to Ukraine, demonstrating a sustained and deepening commitment. During the ceremony, Latvian Prime Minister reaffirmed her country's steadfast support for Ukraine in its defense against russian aggression and pledged to continue advocating for Ukraine at both European and global levels.
Read more: Latvia to Send the Patria 6x6 Armored Vehicles and Military Equipment to Ukraine
"We are very proud to continuously support Ukraine not only militarily, but also financially, politically, and emotionally," Evika Siliņa stated.
She also emphasized the importance of feedback from Ukrainian soldiers, which would help Latvia assess the performance of the vehicles in combat conditions and inform future upgrades.
Deputy Defense Minister Valerii Churkin expressed gratitude to Latvian government and people for their exemplary partnership and unwavering backing. He highlighted Latvia's leading role in the Drone Coalition and its proactive engagement in other capability coalitions, noting the strategic importance of such partnerships for Ukraine's defense.
"Today's substantial assistance enhances our forces' mobility and protection, directly improving our operational capabilities in a high-threat environment. Your commitments reflect a clear strategic vision and a firm stance on supporting Europe's security," Valerii Churkin said.
Colonel Andrii Biletskyi revealed that the newly delivered armored vehicles would be assigned to one of the most effective assault units within the 3rd Army Corps. He emphasized their potential impact on the battlefield, both in saving Ukrainian lives and weakening enemy forces.
"This is the best and possibly the newest equipment our brigade has received. These vehicles will save the lives of our soldiers, and shorten the lives of the occupiers," Andrii Biletskyi noted.
Read more: Latvia Begins Assembling Patria 6x6 Armored Personnel Carriers for Ukraine
