Latvian Saeima Speaker Affirms Strong Support for Ukraine's NATO and EU Accession

Latvia Reaffirms Commitment to Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic Future

Kyiv, Ukraine – On January 16, 2026, the Speaker of the Latvian Saeima, Daiga Mieriņa, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, where she unequivocally affirmed Latvia's strong support for Ukraine's aspirations to join the European Union and integrate into NATO. The meeting underscored the deep bilateral ties and shared security concerns between the two nations.

During their discussions, Speaker Mieriņa stated, 'We will continue to do everything we can to help you become a full member of the European Union. In all our rhetoric, we also speak about NATO. We see you as a NATO country. We see a place for you in this alliance, and we believe you should be part of it for the security of all of us.' This statement highlights Latvia's consistent advocacy for Ukraine's full membership in the Alliance, viewing it as crucial for the stability of all of Europe.

Discussions on Comprehensive Support and Integration

The meeting between Mieriņa and Zelenskyy covered a broad range of topics beyond NATO and EU accession. Key areas of discussion included:

• The ongoing negotiation process for achieving peace in Ukraine.
• Continued cooperation in the defense sector.
• Financial support for Ukraine.
• Latvia's participation in Ukraine's international initiatives.
• Humanitarian projects.
• Cooperation within the Coalition of the Willing, the PURL initiative, and the SAFE program.
• Exchange of experience in advanced technologies.

President Zelenskyy expressed profound gratitude for Latvia's unwavering assistance, acknowledging its significant contributions in defense, finance, and humanitarian aid.

Latvia's Consistent Stance on Ukraine's Future

Latvia has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine since its independence, with diplomatic relations established on February 12, 1992. The Baltic nation consistently champions Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly in the face of Russian aggression. Latvia has pledged substantial aid, committing to allocate at least 0.25% of its GDP to Ukraine aid in both 2025 and 2026. This commitment extends to various forms of assistance, including military equipment, financial contributions, and humanitarian support.

Ukraine's path to NATO membership has seen significant developments, with the Alliance affirming in 2008 that Ukraine 'will become a member.' More recently, at the 2023 Vilnius Summit, the requirement for Ukraine to pursue a Membership Action Plan (MAP) was removed, streamlining its path to accession. Latvia continues to facilitate Ukraine's integration into both the EU and NATO by sharing its reform experience.