Latest news with #AndrisSpruds
Fox News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
The ‘best way' to ensure peace is to help Ukraine win war against Russia, Estonian defense minister urges
Baltic defense ministers Dovile Sakaliene, Andris Spruds and Hanno Pevkur try to find 'Common Ground' on efforts to end the war in Ukraine on 'Special Report.'
Fox News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
'War of exhaustion': Foreign leaders discuss efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict
Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds and Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur discuss reaching peace in Europe on 'Special Report.'
Al Arabiya
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
‘US strikes on Iran made Europe and NATO safer': Latvian defense minister
This year's NATO summit is centered on ramping up military spending and Latvia is leading by example. Situated on NATO's eastern flank, Latvia has become the first alliance member to upgrade its forward presence into the NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia. From the summit, Latvia's Defense Minister Andris Spruds joins Al Arabiya English and Counterpoints to discuss the frontline challenges and strategic priorities shaping NATO's future.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Turkey, Belgium to join drone coalition for Ukraine
Turkey and Belgium are set to join the international Drone Coalition supporting Ukraine, Latvia's Defense Minister Andris Spruds announced on May 28 during the Drone Summit in Riga. The coalition, co-led by Latvia and the United Kingdom, is expected to allocate 2.75 billion euros ($3.1 billion) in 2025 to support Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. "The international Drone Coalition is becoming increasingly stronger — we will be able to deliver more drones to Ukraine while simultaneously strengthening the defense industries of Latvia, the EU, and NATO countries," Spruds said. "Our strength lies in unity." With the addition of Belgium and Turkey, the Drone Coalition will grow to 20 member states. The coalition, officially launched in February 2024, includes countries such as the U.K., Germany, Canada, France, Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine, among others. Each new member must be approved by existing coalition states, according to the memorandum of understanding. Since its inception, the coalition has committed a total of 4.5 billion euros ($5 billion) in aid to Ukraine over two years, including 1.8 billion euros ($2 billion) in 2024 and the planned 2.75 billion euros ($3.1 billion) for 2025. The Drone Coalition plays crucial role in supporting Ukraine's use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which have become key in targeting Russian military infrastructure, including airfields, oil depots, and logistics hubs deep inside Russian territory. In March, the coalition allocated 20 million euros ($22.5 million) from a joint fund to procure tactical reconnaissance drones for Ukraine, following an urgent request from Kyiv. The coalition complements Ukraine's domestic initiatives such as the "Drone Line," launched in February, which aims to accelerate battlefield drone deployment. Read also: Ukrainian drones hit Russian cruise missile factory, SBU source says, in one of largest reported strikes of full-scale war We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Latvia to provide 1,500 combat drones to Ukraine
Latvia will provide 1,500 combat drones to Ukraine, the country's Defense Minister Andris Spruds said on April 1. "Two Latvian companies will deliver a total of 12,000 drones worth 17 million euros to Ukraine in the first half of this year as part of the international drone coalition," he wrote on X. The allied initiative, co-led by the U.K. and Latvia, was launched in January 2024 to strengthen Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities, a key factor in modern warfare. By late 2024, nearly 20 countries had joined the coalition. Latvia, one of Ukraine's biggest supporters, has committed to providing military support at the level of 0.25% of its GDP every year and will provide thousands of drones. Ukraine is also working to scale up domestic production. In Dec. 2024, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that Ukrainian drones accounted for over 96% of all UAVs used by the military in 2024. Read also: Sweden unveils its largest military aid package for Ukraine worth nearly $1.6 billion We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
