Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko began a two-day working visit to the Republic of Latvia.

As part of the visit, Olexandr Mischenko participated in the Second International “Drone Summit 2026”, held in Riga and dedicated to the development of unmanned technologies, their practical application in modern warfare, as well as strengthening international cooperation in the field of defence innovation.

The summit is one of the key international platforms in Eastern Europe and the Baltic region for discussing the role of unmanned systems in ensuring national security and defence capabilities, as well as advancing joint technological solutions among partner states.

During the event, Olexandr Mischenko held a meeting with Prime Minister of Latvia Evika Siliņa and thanked the Head of the Latvian Government for her personal contribution to the development of bilateral relations between Ukraine and Latvia.

In addition, the Deputy Minister participated as a speaker in the panel discussion “Better than Yesterday”, focused on the development of defence technologies, strengthening European security, and sharing practical experience in applying innovative solutions to counter contemporary threats.

The discussion also featured Commander of the National Armed Forces of Latvia Kaspars Pudāns, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Baiba Braže, and UK Minister for the Armed Forces Alistair Carns.

In his remarks, Olexandr Mischenko stressed the critical importance of further strengthening international cooperation in the development and use of unmanned aerial systems, particularly in the context of current security challenges.

The Deputy Minister underlined that Ukraine today possesses unique practical experience in employing unmanned technologies under real combat conditions, while European partners have significant technological, financial, and industrial resources. In this context, Olexandr Mischenko highlighted the importance of deepening cooperation, exchanging expertise, and jointly developing innovative defence solutions to strengthen the security of Ukraine and Europe as a whole.

Particular attention in his speech was devoted to Latvia’s consistent support for Ukraine. Olexandr Mischenko emphasised that Latvia was among the countries that provided practical assistance to Ukraine even before the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The Deputy Minister noted Latvia’s leadership in providing political, defence, humanitarian, and financial assistance to Ukraine, as well as its active role in international coalitions supporting our state.

The Ukrainian diplomat also expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom for its unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s armed aggression, noting the practical dimension of implementing the One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement, which demonstrated the strategic level of relations between the two countries.

On the margins of the summit, Olexandr Mischenko also held a bilateral meeting with State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Latvia Aivars Puriņš.

During the talks, the parties discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation in the field of security and defence, as well as prospects for further cooperation in the area of unmanned aerial vehicles. Olexandr Mischenko stressed the importance of deepening practical cooperation between Ukraine and Latvia, particularly in developing modern defence technologies, expanding joint production capacities, and implementing joint UAV-related projects.

The Deputy Minister also met with UK Minister for the Armed Forces Alistair Carns and expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom for co-leading, together with Latvia, the international Drone Coalition, which plays an important role in strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities and supplying Ukraine’s Defence Forces with modern unmanned systems. The parties also discussed prospects for further development of defence cooperation, expanding collaboration in the field of unmanned technologies, and opportunities for implementing joint initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine’s defence industry.

As part of the event, Olexandr Mischenko also visited the Ukrainian exhibition stand, where eight Ukrainian technology companies showcased unmanned aerial vehicles, ground robotic systems, electronic warfare solutions, and other defence products.

In addition, during the visit Olexandr Mischenko held a meeting with Chairman of the Defence, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia Raimonds Bergmanis.

During the talks, the parties discussed current regional security challenges, Latvia’s continued support for Ukraine, as well as issues of interparliamentary cooperation and coordination of efforts in the fields of security and defence.

Olexandr Mischenko thanked the Latvian side for its consistent parliamentary support for decisions aimed at assisting Ukraine, the active position of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia regarding increased sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation, and support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Later, Olexandr Mischenko also held a meeting with Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia Ināra Mūrniece. During the talks, the parties discussed current issues on the Ukrainian-Latvian agenda, key priorities of bilateral cooperation, as well as further coordination of interaction at the interparliamentary and intergovernmental levels.

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, Olexandr Mischenko met with State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Andžejs Viļumsons. During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues on the bilateral agenda, further development of Ukrainian-Latvian cooperation, as well as common challenges in the field of European and regional security amid Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

Particular attention was paid to coordination at international platforms, Latvia’s continued support for Ukraine, increasing sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation, as well as cooperation in the fields of security, defence, and Ukraine’s recovery.