Latvian president pledges support for Ukraine’s EU bid, NATO aid in talks with Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs held talks on August 8, focusing on diplomatic coordination, European integration, and military support.

In a post on Telegram, Zelenskyy said he briefed Rinkēvičs on Ukraine’s diplomatic engagements and outlined key next steps toward securing “a reliable peace and a guaranteed future” for Ukraine and other European nations, Caliber.Az cites. 

He emphasised the need for US backing and European unity, noting that Latvia “firmly supports Ukraine’s membership in the EU and NATO.”

Zelenskyy also stressed that Ukraine has met all requirements for EU accession talks, calling for the first negotiation cluster to be opened for both Ukraine and Moldova simultaneously. He welcomed Latvia’s readiness to join the new NATO initiative for supplying arms to Ukraine, known as PURL, which he said is already operational.

“We also spoke about the new PURL instrument, which is already functioning in practice. Latvia is ready to join. Thank you!” he added. 

In a statement on X, Rinkēvičs confirmed the discussion, saying they spoke about “ongoing efforts to reach just and lasting peace” and reaffirmed Latvia’s support for Ukraine’s swift EU accession and participation in the PURL initiative.

Had a good 📞 with President @ZelenskyyUa of 🇺🇦 . We discussed ongoing efforts to reach just and lasting peace. I also informed about Latvia’s support for new NATO initiative for arming Ukraine (PURL). I also reaffirmed Latvia’s support for speedy EU accession process of Ukraine.

— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) August 8, 2025

By Sabina Mammadli