Ukraine’s Armed Forces are now operating the MV-25 Oskar, a new fixed-wing loitering munition developed in France, according to KNDS France. The drone with the range of 25 km is part of the Mataris drone family.
Drone warfare innovations have become a defining feature of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. Unmanned vehicles—operating in the air, on land, and at sea—now play a central role, with both sides rapidly advancing their technologies. Ukraine’s allies are also pushing forward their own drone development efforts to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving domain.
Ukrainian military deploys MV-25 Oskar
Ukraine has officially received and deployed the MV-25 Oskar loitering munition, part of the French Mataris drone series. KNDS France, the primary developer, stated the drone is already in operational use and has garnered “excellent feedback” from the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Development and international collaboration
KNDS France developed the Mataris line in cooperation with DELAIR and EOS TECHNOLOGIE. The MV-25 Oskar was selected under the French Defense Innovation Agency’s COLIBRI program in 2022 and reached operational deployment in Ukraine within two years. It successfully underwent a test flight with a live warhead in June 2024.
KNDS emphasized that the Mataris systems were created to urgently address a capability gap in the French arsenal.
The Mataris range includes four models with varied capabilities:
MT-10: dual-rotor drone with a 10 km range
MX-10 Damocles: quadcopter-wing drone with 10 km range
MV-25 Oskar: fixed-wing drone with 25 km range
MV-100 Veloce 330: turbine-powered fixed-wing drone with 100 km range and speeds over 400 km/h
Each system features warheads specifically developed by KNDS Ammo France. The MV-25 Oskar’s deployment marks the first operational use of this mid-range fixed-wing drone in Ukraine.
French military prepares to field parallel drone
Meanwhile, the short-range MX-10 Damocles will enter service with the French Army in July 2025. DELAIR manufactures the quadcopter wing, and KNDS Ammo France produces the fragmentation-incendiary warhead. The drone is designed to neutralize infantry and light armored vehicles.
Next steps for longer-range drones
KNDS has also partnered with EOS TECHNOLOGIE to develop the MV-100 Veloce 330, capable of engaging medium and long-range targets. It features a 2.5 kg anti-armor warhead based on BONUS shell technology. An operational detonation test is scheduled before the end of 2025.
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The Czech Republic has secured funding to continue delivering artillery ammunition to Ukraine into next year, but the future of this initiative may depend on the results of the upcoming parliamentary elections in October.
Amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, the Czechia-led shell initiative has played a key role in addressing Ukraine’s shell shortage by streamlining global large-caliber ammunition supplies while ensuring supplier anonymity to shield participants from Russian pressure.
Czech program closes Ukraine’s artillery gap
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský told Bloomberg in an interview that the Czech-led program to source heavy ammunition for Ukraine, funded by a coalition of 11 countries, has significantly changed the situation on the battlefield. According to Lipavský, Ukrainian forces, who at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 had only one artillery round for every ten fired by Russia, now have one for every two.
The Czech Republic has committed to delivering 1.8 million shells to Ukraine this year under this program. Lipavský described the effort as a “game changer” and emphasized that it plays a vital role as US support weakens and efforts by President Donald Trump to end the war remain stalled.
Political future of the ammunition effort uncertain
Despite the success and international backing of the initiative, Lipavský warned that its continuation hinges on maintaining political support after the Czech parliamentary elections scheduled for 3–4 October 2025.
“We’ve secured funding for next year,” said Lipavský, adding that the Czech Republic has also trained 9,000 Ukrainian soldiers and intends to begin training Ukrainian pilots. “What is absolutely crucial is to preserve political support for the ammunition initiative after Czech parliamentary elections,” he said.
Polls indicate that the current center-right government led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala is trailing behind former Prime Minister and billionaire Andrej Babiš, who is leading ahead of the vote.
Babiš has openly criticized supplying arms to Ukraine and hosting Ukrainian war refugees.
Far-right ties and NATO defense spending on agenda
Lipavský accused Babis of “far-right populism,” referencing the ex-premier’s alignment with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and France’s National Rally in forming a nationalist bloc in the European Parliament last year.
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Slovenia’s Ministry of Defense announced on 13 June it had placed an order for 12 CAESAR 6×6 wheeled self-propelled howitzers from France, with deliveries set to begin in 2028. Army Recognition reported the deal, which places Slovenia among several nations waiting for delivery of the in-demand French artillery systems. Defense Express says the order appears at odds with France’s earlier commitment to send all CAESARs produced in 2025 to Ukraine.
This comes as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has been in its fourth year, with Moscow still holding an artillery advantage over Ukraine. While allies continue supplying various artillery systems and ammunition, Ukraine has increased domestic production of the Bohdana self-propelled howitzer to at least 20 units per month.
France promised 2025-made CAESARs to Ukraine
Defense Express notes that the new Slovenian contract raises questions about how France will manage competing obligations. In May 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron committed to supplying Ukraine with all CAESAR howitzers produced during the year. However, deliveries to Slovenia indicate that not all units manufactured in 2025 may be reserved for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Production rate and delivery timeline reshaped by high demand
France has recently accelerated its production rate for the CAESAR system. As of November 2024, the production cycle had been reduced from 30 months to 15, with monthly output reaching up to 12 units. This shift means that artillery systems promised for 2025 delivery entered production no earlier than January 2024 and will be completed by late 2026.
Domestic and export contracts filling the production queue
France’s defense industry is facing a large backlog, according to Defense Express. Beyond Slovenia, existing confirmed export contracts include 18 units for Lithuania and 9 for Belgium. Additional reports mention potential orders from Croatia and Armenia, though unit numbers remain undisclosed.
The production schedule is also impacted by France’s own military needs. In February 2024, the French Ministry of Armed Forces placed an order for 109 CAESAR Mk2 units—the largest domestic acquisition for the system to date.
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The United States is ending military aid to Ukraine, shifting responsibility for Kyiv’s defense onto Europe — which has so far failed to match its rhetoric with real support. That’s the conclusion drawn by journalist and war analyst Owen Matthews in a recent Telegraph opinion piece.
Speaking at Congressional hearings on the 2026 US defense budget, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the Trump administration has a “very different view” of the war than its predecessor, favoring a “negotiated peaceful settlement.” The move brings an end to the Biden-era policy that sent $74 billion in US military aid to Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
That aid included critical systems like Patriot missile defenses, HIMARS, tanks, and long-range artillery—support Kyiv now stands to lose.
Europe promises more than it pays
With the US stepping back, Europe is expected to take the lead. But Matthews points out that Europe’s follow-through has been inconsistent at best.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s widely publicized ReArm Europe plan suggested €800 billion in defense spending—but the figure relied on easing borrowing rules, not actual funds. A proposed €40 billion EU arms package for Ukraine was blocked by member states, including Hungary and Italy. Only €1 billion, pulled from frozen Russian assets, has so far materialized.
Meanwhile, Europe is projected to spend over €20 billion on Russian oil, gas, coal, and uranium in 2025—more than it is expected to spend on Ukraine’s defense.
“As long as Europe continues to spend more on financing Putin’s war machine than it does on Ukraine’s, its promises… ring rather hollow,” Matthews writes.
Ukraine ramps up but faces gaps
Despite limited external support, Ukraine is expanding domestic arms production. Local output now meets up to 50% of military needs, including howitzers, drones, and electronic warfare tools. Matthews notes that Ukraine’s Limma jamming system outperforms Western and Russian equivalents.
Still, Ukraine remains vulnerable: shortages in ammunition, spare parts, and trained soldiers persist. Reports of forced conscription have triggered online backlash.
Russia, meanwhile, is set to spend $160 billion on defense this year—double Ukraine’s—and benefits from lower production costs.
With US aid gone and European promises still falling short, Matthews argues Kyiv is now fighting for survival with diminishing resources and uncertain allies.
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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth officially confirmed that anti-drone weapons intended for Ukraine were redirected to American forces stationed in the Middle East. The APKWS II anti-drone rocket systems “are at least part, if not the main focus of this diversion in matériel,” TWZ reported. Meanwhile, Senator McConnell says Washington’s reputation is “on the line.”
This comes as Russia has escalated its daily long-range explosive drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, increasing civilian casualties. For months now, US President Donald Trump has pushed for Kyiv-Moscow negotiations allegedly to end the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, but two rounds of low-level talks have produced no results, with Russia showing no intention of stopping the war and continuing to demand Ukraine’s capitulation.
Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee on 11 June, Hegseth admitted for the first time that counter-UAS capabilities originally purchased for Ukraine under the Biden administration were instead prioritized for deployment in the CENTCOM area (North Africa – Middle East).
“Senator, as you know, the Middle East is and remains a very dynamic theater,” Hegseth claimed. “We’re going to surge counter UAS systems to our troops and our bases and our places first […] that has been and will continue to be a priority for us.”
Zelenskyy previously warned of looming weapon loss
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky toldABC News last week that the US had agreed to send “20,000 missiles – anti-Shahed missiles,” which are now being diverted. “Without the help of the United States, we will have more losses.”
TWZ noted that “there are no traditional missiles available anywhere near that number,” meanwhile, the APKWS system is produced in large volumes and is specifically effective against Shahed-136 suicide drones.
“APKWS gives Ukraine another proven way to defend key target areas… without blowing through prized SAMs,” TWZ wrote,
The Wall Street Journal earlier reported that the Pentagon “quietly notified Congress” that APKWS-specific proximity fuzes were reassigned to US Air Force units. These fuzes are essential to converting APKWS rockets into counter-drone weapons.
The public admission sparked renewed criticism from lawmakers. Republican Senator Mitch McConnell asked Hegseth which side he wanted to win the war, but Hegseth said the Trump administration sought an end to the killing without taking sides.
McConnell, a vocal Ukraine supporter, noted:
“It seems to me pretty obvious that America’s reputation is on the line,” McConnell said. “Will we defend Democratic allies against authoritarian aggressors?”
Later in the hearing, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham pressed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine on whether Russian President Vladimir Putin would stop at Ukraine.
“I don’t believe he is,” Gen. Caine responded, with Hegseth adding it “remains to be seen.”
Graham, referencing his earlier comparison between Western inaction toward Putin and the appeasement of Adolf Hitler in the lead-up to World War II, quickly retorted:
“Well, he says he’s not. This is the ’30s all over. It doesn’t remain to be seen.”
APKWS
The APKWS II are laser-guided 70mm rockets previously used by Ukraine to intercept Russia’s Iranian-designed Shahed drones and low-flying missiles. pods with such missiles have been forward-deployed with US’ F-15Es in Jordan and have been used in past months by US jets to down Houthi drones in the Red Sea. The same guidance kits are also used in the VAMPIRE counter-drone system previously supplied to Ukraine.
According to TWZ, videos from Ukraine in 2023 showed APKWS being used on Humvees, but the VAMPIRE system with counter-drone fuzes became more widespread by December 2023. These systems helped Ukraine defend key targets from Iranian-made kamikaze drones without depleting expensive SAM inventories.
Unclear future for US aid for Ukraine
Hegseth declined to specify how many APKWS rockets remain in stock or were sent to Ukraine.
“We would have to review the capacity,” he said, adding that US support to Ukraine had allegedly created “some challenges in other places.”
Earlier on 10 June, Hegseth said a cut in US military aid to Ukraine is almost certain, citing the Trump administration’s “very different view” of Russia’s war compared to former President Joe Biden’s and calling an unrealistic “negotiated peaceful settlement” the best outcome for both sides and US interests.
Since Trump assumed office in January, the US has neither approved any new aid for Ukraine, nor replied to Kyiv’s requests to buy aid defenses.
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Norway has transferred or planned to transfer 14 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine — over double the six publicly declared — according to its annual arms export report.
Russia continues its deliberate daily air attacks on residential areas and civilian infrastructure, particularly targeting energy infrastructure and apartment buildings, aiming to disrupt civilian life. Such attacks involve missiles, and dozens to hundreds of explosive drones. Fighter jets, such as F-16, are instrumental as the last line of air defense against the missiles and drones.
According to Militarnyi, the official report on Norway’s conventional arms exports suggests that the country has planned to send 14 F-16s to Ukraine, despite only announcing six publicly. The status of the eight unannounced aircraft is not specified.
Condition of additional Norwegian F-16s unclear
It is likely, based on the report’s context, that these jets are not flight-capable and are intended for technical staff training, spare parts, or use as decoys, Militarnyi notes, adding that the possibility that some of the additional jets could be restored and made operational is not ruled out.
Norway previously stated that it would only provide operational aircraft that were withdrawn from service in 2021.
In mid-May, the Norwegian government reported that all promised F-16s would be delivered to Ukraine by the end of the current year. However, delivery dates for the eight unannounced jets remain unclear.
As of May, the last Dutch F-16 fighters designated for Ukraine reportedly left the Netherlands. Despite completing the physical transfer of its pledged 24 jets, the Dutch Defense Ministry emphasized that its support continues, including training personnel and providing spare parts, ammunition, and fuel.
Denmark’s delivery is ongoing in three phases, as previously agreed. By February, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed that Ukraine had already received 12 out of 19 promised fighters.
Additionally, Belgium is expected to send two F-16s to Ukraine in 2025, with one aircraft designated for dismantling and use as a source of spare parts.
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The Ukrainian National Police’s assault unit, the Lyut’ (“Fury”) Brigade, has received Spanish Pegaso BMR M-600 armored personnel carriers, Militarnyi reported. The deployment was confirmed by a military-focused Telegram channel, Tysk, which shared a photo showing the vehicle equipped with a specially crafted anti-drone grill structure featuring doors for both crew and troops.
Since Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Spain has provided Kyiv with critical defense systems, armored vehicles, generators, and signed a ten-year bilateral security cooperation agreement to strengthen Ukraine’s long-term resilience.
Militarnyi noted that the angle of the released photo makes it difficult to identify the exact configuration of the vehicle. However, it suggests that the vehicle could be a BMR-600 VRAC variant used for chemical reconnaissance, previously seen in Ukraine. In January 2024, Militarnyi had also reported Spain’s delivery of two medical BMR M-600 units to Ukraine, refurbished by the company TECNOVE:
No official announcements have been made about the delivery of standard troop transport versions of the BMR-600, but the presence of such a vehicle suggests it may be part of military aid from Spain, Militarnyi suggests.
BMR-600
The BMR-600 is a Spanish 6×6 wheeled armored personnel carrier developed in the early 1970s and mass-produced from 1979. This amphibious APC serves as a mainstay of Spanish ground forces and has been exported internationally.
This amphibious vehicle accommodates 11 troops plus driver and gunner in an aluminum-armored hull. Key features include front-left driver position, right-side engine bay, rear troop compartment with ramp access and dual roof hatches. The 310-hp Pegaso diesel delivers 100 km/h maximum speed via automatic transmission and dual-steered front axles. Amphibious capability relies on wheel propulsion or optional water jets (9 km/h).
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the US is diverting 20,000 missiles previously promised to Ukraine toward the Middle East, a move he warns will increase casualties as Russia intensifies its aerial attacks.
This comes as US President Donald Trump has been stalling new sanctions against Russia, while pushing for Kyiv-Moscow talks, allegedly to end the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. While two rounds of such talks failed to bring a ceasefire, with Russia effectively demanding Ukraine’s capitulation, Moscow has escalated its air attacks against Ukrainian cities using hundreds of Iranian-designed Shahed drones every night.
Speaking to ABC News, Zelenskyy stated that his defense minister informed him on 6 June that the US was reassigning anti-drone weapons meant for Ukraine. According to him, these assets—originally part of an agreement with the Biden administration—would now support US force protection efforts in the Middle East.
“We counted on [them] to defend against Russian attacks,” Zelenskyy told ABC. “Without the help of the United States, we will have more losses.”
The Ukrainian president said the diverted items were “not expensive, but [a] special technology” designed specifically to combat Shahed drones, which Russia now produces domestically in thousands after importing them from Iran.
This development comes amid a significant escalation in Russian air attacks. Overnight on 9 June, Russia launched a record number of aerial weapons – a total of 479 drones and 20 missiles across Ukraine. The next day, Russia launched 315 more drones and seven missiles, targeting Kyiv and Odesa.
Pentagon avoids confirming missile redirection
ABC News says the Pentagon declined to confirm whether the anti-drone systems intended for Ukraine were now being sent to the Middle East. However, a report by the Wall Street Journal last week revealed that the Pentagon had authorized the transfer of such technology.
“The Pentagon quietly notified Congress last week that special fuzes for rockets that Ukraine uses to shoot down Russian drones are now being allocated to US Air Force units in the Middle East,” WSJ wrote on 4 June.
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Israel’s Foreign Ministry has officially denied claims that the country transferred Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, contradicting statements made by Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Mikhael Brodsky.
Although not an open Russian ally, Israel has maintained a “neutral” stance on the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, refraining from imposing sanctions on Russia while providing Ukraine only with non-lethal aid. The country has consistently refused requests from Ukraine for air defense systems, such as the Iron Dome, and other lethal equipment.
The denial came after Brodsky told a blogger in an interview that Israel had ostensibly transferred weapons to Ukraine, specifically mentioning Patriot air defense systems that were previously in Israeli service. The ambassador did not specify when Ukraine allegedly received these systems.
“These are Israeli systems that were in IDF service in the early 1990s. We agreed to transfer them to Ukraine,” Brodsky stated. “Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much talk about it. But when people say Israel didn’t provide military aid — that’s simply not true.”
Official rebuttal from Israel’s Foreign Ministry
The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a clarification following an inquiry from Ynet, stating that Ambassador Brodsky’s claims about Jerusalem transferring Patriot systems to Ukraine were incorrect.
“This is not true. Israel did not transfer Patriot systems to Ukraine,” the Ministry said, according to Ynet’s report on 10 June.
According to Ynet, Russia reportedly contacted Israel requesting clarification on Brodsky’s statement.
Reports in January suggested that Israel planned to transfer Patriot missiles to Ukraine, not the Patriot systems.
This is not the first time Israel has been linked to alleged weapons transfers to Ukraine, which were later officially denied.
Previously, Israel was allegedly contemplating sending large quantities of Russian-made weapons seized from Hezbollah and Syria to Ukraine in 2024. The reported cargo allegedly included anti-tank guided missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, surface-to-air missiles, and ammunition that would be shipped via US C-17 aircraft to Rzeszów, Poland.
However, in February 2025, Israel’s Foreign Ministry called these earlier reports as “baseless” and confirmed no transfer of such arms occurred. Ambassador Brodsky himself stated at that time that “no such decision has been made by the Ministry of Defense,” calling the earlier reports a result of miscommunication.
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Renault, the French automotive giant, has been identified as the company set to produce drones in Ukraine. France Info says production lines could be located “a few dozen or hundred kilometers from the front line.”
This comes amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, as the EU is rearming and announcing massive investments in the defense industry. Drone warfare innovations have become a defining feature of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. Unmanned vehicles—operating in the air, on land, and at sea—now play a central role, with both sides rapidly advancing their technologies.
Renault to build drones in Ukraine near frontline zones
France Info reported on 8 June that Renault plans to enter the defense sector by partnering with a French SME specializing in defense technology to produce drones in Ukraine.
The French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, initiallydisclosed on 6 June that a “major French car manufacturer” would produce drones in Ukraine, without naming the company.
Renault confirmed to France Info that it had been contacted by the French government about the drone production project, but added that “no decision has been made at this stage.”
Lecornu earlier noted that there is no current need for French workers to staff the production facilities in Ukraine. He emphasized Ukrainian expertise, stating that Ukrainians are “better than us at imagining drones and especially at developing the doctrine around them.”
Drones for Ukraine and France
The drones are intended for use by both the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the French military. France lags behind in drone capabilities and sees this partnership as an opportunity to benefit from Ukraine’s battlefield innovation and experience.
Militarnyi says that the project will begin with Renault joining small and medium-sized French defense businesses, followed by the establishment of production capacities on Ukrainian territory.
On 6 June, Lecornu also noted that other companies connected to France’s defense industry are already operating in Ukraine.
French military-industrial strategy shifts
This development aligns with earlier announcements in February about France planning to adapt its civilian industry to respond to large-scale military demands. Militarnyi reported that one representative of the French auto industry had already been approached to help launch drone production, particularly for kamikaze-type drones similar to those used in Ukraine. The Ministry of Armed Forces and the French defense procurement agency reportely aim to reach production speeds of several thousand drones within a few months.
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Ukraine is still waiting for the United States to respond to its request to purchase air defense systems, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on 7 June. This followed a major Russian air assault on Kharkiv city the same day, as Russia reportedly targeted the city with 67 explosive drones, nine aerial bombs, and a missile.
Ukraine seeks to acquire American-made Patriot systems, which are among the few Western air defense platforms capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. These missiles are regularly used by Russia to target Ukrainian cities. Moscow conducts daily attacks on residential neighborhoods far from the frontline, using long-range explosive drones and sometimes adding missiles to the assaults. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump pushes for Kyiv-Moscow talks, allegedly to end the ongoing war, in order to restore relations with Russia.
Zelenskyy calls for urgent US support
In his evening address on 7 June, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine urgently needs “positive signals” from the US — not just words, but concrete decisions.
“We are working to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense. We urgently need positive signals from the United States – concrete signals regarding air defense systems,” he said. “We are still waiting for a response to our request to purchase systems that can help — concrete signals, not words.”
He also thanked European nations for their support and emphasized the importance of joint production efforts.
“We must also achieve results in the joint production of air defense systems and missiles for them – this is absolutely essential for our whole Europe,” Zelenskyy noted, adding that “only time separates us from that result, and what matters most is shortening that time.”
The statement came after a Ukrainian delegation visited Washington on 6 June. According to the head of the Office of the President, Andrii Yermak, Ukraine expressed its readiness to buy weapons from the US. However, Yermak stated that members of Congress believe Washington can continue supplying arms directly to Ukraine instead.
On 6 June, Russia attacked Kyiv, Lutsk, and Ternopil with hundreds of drones and 45 missiles, leading to heavy casualties among civilians. That day, US President Donald Trump appeared to defend Russia’s massive airstrike on Ukrainian cities the night before, claiming that Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb had given Vladimir Putin “a reason to go in and bomb the hell out of them last night.” Earlier, after a phone call with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, he said Russia’s reaction would “not be pretty.”
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Montenegro will manufacture unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for Ukraine and NATO under a newly signed agreement with a US firm, backed by up to $15 million in American military aid through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, the Montenegrin Government reports.
Montenegro, a NATO member state since 2017, is committed to donating the first batch of produced drones and related items to Ukraine amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. The initiative is framed as enhancing NATO interoperability and contributing to global security, while boosting Montenegro’s strategic economic positioning.
Militarnyi reports that on 29 May, the Government of Montenegro approved a letter of intent to invest in UAS production in cooperation with US-based By Light Professional IT Services LLC. The Montenegrin government confirmed that the first batch of drones produced under this initiative will be donated to Ukraine.
The plan reportedly involves a joint effort between two Montenegrin companies (Tara Aerospace and Polimex) and two US firms (By Light and 4WINDS LLC). By Light will contribute its expertise in vertical takeoff drones (HALO series) and FPV drones (PERSES). 4WINDS LLC is expected to establish a Montenegrin subsidiary to support the implementation.
Deal aligns with Podgorica’s Ukraine support
According to the Montenegrin Government’s document, the deal aligns with national goals to support NATO, Ukraine, and regional security while fostering a new sector of economic growth.
Montenegro confirmed its legislation allows the production and export of military equipment and hazardous materials.
The production and export of arms will follow the country’s national arms control list, harmonized with the European Union’s Common Military List. Additional legislation is under preparation and is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025.
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Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Latvia — a small country of under 2 million people — has emerged as one of Ukraine’s most committed and proactive allies. Despite its size, Latvia considers supporting Ukraine a national priority, driven by its own history of Soviet occupation and the reality of having an aggressive Russia as a direct neighbor. For Latvia, Ukraine’s fight is not just about territorial defense — it’s about the future of European security and the rules-based international order.
As a NATO and EU member, Latvia has consistently provided Ukraine with military aid, humanitarian assistance, and political support, far surpassing expectations for a country of its size.
This commitment was formalized in April 2024, when Latvia became the first Baltic nation to sign a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine, reaffirming its role as a key strategic partner. This 10-year agreement outlines comprehensive support across multiple areas — from defense industry cooperation and military training to sanctions and energy infrastructure restoration.
In collaboration with the Dnistrianskyi Center, Euromaidan Press presents this English-language adaptation of Dariia Cherniavska’s analysis on Latvia’s role in Ukraine’s defense, recovery, and pursuit of justice.
Military aid: A small nation with big impact
Latvia’s military support is both substantial and strategic. Under the security agreement, Latvia committed to dedicating 0.25% of its GDP annually to military assistance for Ukraine from 2024 through 2026. In practice, it exceeded that pledge in 2024, delivering €170 million in military aid — well above its promised €112 million.
This aid included a mix of essential defense equipment:
42 Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers, manufactured in Latvia
9 CVR(T) reconnaissance vehicles donated from British stock
A batch of NBS air defense systems
Participation in the Czech initiative with a €10 million contribution to purchase 3,000 artillery shells
But one of Latvia’s most impactful contributions is in the drone warfare domain. Together with the UK, Latvia co-launched the Drone Coalition in February 2024 — a multinational effort to scale Ukraine’s unmanned aerial capabilities. Latvia contributed €20 million to this initiative in its first year, delivering nearly 5,000 drones, with 12,000 more UAVs scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2025.
In a bold policy stance, Latvia authorized Ukraine to use all weapons provided — including drones — to strike inside Russian territory, reinforcing Ukraine’s right to defend itself fully.
Patria 6×6 armored personnel carrier. Photo: patriagroup.com
Building defense industry ties
Latvia’s commitment doesn’t end with deliveries. It is also fostering long-term defense industry cooperation with Ukraine. At least €10 million of Latvia’s drone funding in 2024 was invested in Latvian companies producing UAVs specifically for Ukraine.
In 2025, that investment continues, and Latvia has pledged another €10 million for joint defense manufacturing projects. Two Latvian companies — unnamed for security reasons — are producing the 12,000 drones being delivered in early 2025.
Additionally, the Finnish company Patria opened a production facility in Latvia in 2024, which now builds the armored vehicles supplied to Ukraine. This move strengthens Latvia’s own defense sector while reinforcing Ukraine’s ground capabilities.
Training Ukrainian forces to NATO standards
Latvia has provided crucial training for Ukrainian soldiers, ensuring they meet NATO military standards. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, over 4,000 Ukrainian troops have undergone training in Latvia.
The programs have covered a wide range of specializations: snipers, sappers, engineers, commanding officers, and, more recently, UAV operators. Latvia began drone operator training in mid-2024 as part of its support to the Drone Coalition.
In 2025, Latvia plans to train an additional 4,000 soldiers and has joined efforts to form and train the Nordic-Baltic Brigade — a 3,000–5,000-strong Ukrainian formation supported by Latvia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Estonia, and Lithuania.
Latvian drones prepared for delivery to Ukraine, February 2025. Photo: X/Andris Spruds.
Latvia’s role in sanctions and legal accountability
As a member of the European Union, Latvia plays a vital role in implementing and advocating for sanctions against Russia and its enablers. Between April 2024 and April 2025, the EU announced three new sanctions packages — with Latvia consistently supporting stronger measures.
Latvia has also taken individual steps. In February 2024, it became the first EU country to ban agricultural imports from Russia and Belarus, setting a precedent later followed by others. Latvia also contested EU decisions to remove certain Russian individuals from the sanctions list and maintained national sanctions against those dropped at Hungary’s request.
Beyond sanctions, Latvia is deeply involved in international justice efforts. It is an active member of the Joint Investigation Team on Russian war crimes and has helped draft the legal framework for a special tribunal on aggression against Ukraine. In March 2025, Latvian courts sentenced a citizen to five years in prison for participating in the war on Russia’s side — a rare case of domestic enforcement.
Cybersecurity and non-military security support
Latvia’s support extends into the information and digital realm. In 2024, it joined the IT Coalition, helping to raise €482 million for Ukraine’s cyber defense and communications capabilities.
Through this partnership, Latvia provided:
€100,000 worth of frontline communications equipment
Over 1,000 computers and monitors to bolster cybersecurity in Ukrainian government institutions
A bilateral cybersecurity memorandum, establishing protocols for cooperation and intelligence sharing
This kind of digital support is crucial as Ukraine faces increasingly complex cyber threats from Russian-linked actors.
The NBS C-RAM close-range air defense system. Photo: army-technology.com
Humanitarian aid and reconstruction: Focus on Chernihiv Oblast
Latvia has also made post-war recovery a core part of its Ukraine strategy, particularly in the Chernihiv region, where it has pledged €15 million for 2024–2026.
In 2024 alone, Latvian funding helped rebuild:
The Talalayivka Lyceum, damaged by shelling
The Chernihiv Regional Children’s Hospital
Educational and preschool facilities in surrounding communities
Latvia also delivered medical equipment worth €345,000, including 36 ventilators, and helped supply Kyiv’s Okhmatdyt Hospital after a missile attack.
Its support for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been equally significant. Latvia donated over 70 transformers, dozens of diesel generators, and even a 250 MVA high-voltage transformer formerly used at Riga’s hydroelectric power station.
During mass Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power grid in 2024, Latvia and 13 other countries sent 2,400 tons of emergency energy equipment, aiding 57 Ukrainian utility companies.
Latvian funding helped rebuild the Talalayivka lyceum in Chernihiv Oblast. Photo: cg.gov.ua
Demining: Clearing the path to recovery
Latvia plays an active role in humanitarian demining through the Demining Coalition, which raised over €50 million in 2024. The coalition provided Ukraine with armored vehicles, demining machines, mine detectors, and obstacle-clearing systems.
Latvia specifically contributed €270,000 to HALO Trust, supporting the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance in liberated and front-line territories.
The coalition announced a long-term commitment of €700 million through 2034, with €130 million allocated for 2025 — a critical investment in civilian safety and rebuilding efforts.
Macro-financial support and international programs
Latvia also participates in key international financial initiatives aimed at stabilizing Ukraine’s economy and institutions. It contributed to:
The Ukraine Capacity Development Fund (UCDF), managed by the IMF, raising $36 million
The World Bank’s URTF, which gathered $2 billion from donor countries for recovery and reform
Through the EU’s ERA program, Latvia supports Ukraine’s access to loans financed by frozen Russian assets. By April 2025, Ukraine had received €5 billion in three tranches, and a total of €35 billion is planned through the EU’s broader Ukraine Facility.
Latvia has also taken part in the Medevac medical evacuation program, treating 545 wounded Ukrainian soldiers in Latvian hospitals since 2022.
Conclusion: Latvia’s leadership in Ukraine’s fight and future
Latvia has emerged as one of Ukraine’s most consistent and impactful supporters. It has provided some of the highest levels of military aid per capita, led innovative efforts like the Drone Coalition, helped rebuild war-torn communities, and pushed for legal accountability for Russian aggression.
This support is part of a broader framework of long-term commitments. Latvia’s 10-year security agreement with Ukraine is one of 29 such agreements signed as of February 2025 — 27 with G7-aligned nations, one with the EU, and one with Croatia. These agreements stem from the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine, adopted at the NATO summit in Vilnius in July 2023.
While they offer structure and stability, they remain a substitute for what Ukraine ultimately seeks: full NATO and EU membership, neither of which yet has a clear timeline.
Until then, Latvia — driven by its history, geography, and commitment to European security — continues to lead by example. Its sustained and strategic military aid to Ukraine places it among the most steadfast contributors.
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On 27 May, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry announced that the United Kingdom will allocate funding from the ERA (Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration) initiative to support Ukraine’s military needs. Under this agreement, Ukraine is set to receive $3 billion over 2025–2026. The funds originate from excess profits generated by frozen Russian assets.
The ERA initiative is a program led by the G7 countries. It is designed to use profits from frozen Russian assets to repay loans made to Ukraine amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. The total value of the ERA initiative stands at $50 billion, with part of that sum allocated to defense.
The Ministry reported that the agreement was signed by First Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Serhii Boiev and Deputy Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine Davyd Aloian. Representing the United Kingdom, Major General Anna-Lee Reilly, Director Strategic Capability, Engagement and Operations at the UK Ministry of Defence, signed the agreement.
Funding targets defense procurement and repairs
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry detailed that the funding will be used for:
Procurement of defense products manufactured abroad;
Repair and maintenance of military equipment;
Joint projects between Ukrainian and international defense companies;
Procurement of critically essential materials, including items made in Ukraine.
According to Boiev, the use of Russian-origin profits for defense purposes is “not only valuable in practical terms, but also as a matter of principle.” He stated:
“The use of excess profits from Russian assets to reinforce Ukraine’s defense is a just response to aggression and an acknowledgement of Ukraine’s right to self-defense.”
Ukraine seeks to unlock production potential
Deputy Minister Davyd Aloian emphasized the importance of the funding in activating domestic capacity:
“Ukrainian enterprises have a production capacity of $35 billion, but insufficient funding prevents their full utilization. Therefore, leveraging excess profits generated from frozen Russian assets will significantly boost the production and repair capacities of Ukraine’s defense industry.”
The Ukrainian side thanked the United Kingdom for providing the financial support and for backing Ukraine’s armament production efforts.
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We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society.
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Ukraine faces third consecutive night of massive Russian drone attacks. Russian forces conducted their most extensive missile and drone strikes of the full-scale war over the past 48 hours. Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, and Kharkiv oblasts sustained another Russian attack overnight on 26 May
As of 26 MAY 2025, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:
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On 25 May, Dutch Minister of Defense Ruben Brekelmans announced that the final F-16 fighter jet pledged to Ukraine will be delivered tomorrow, on 26 May, according to WNL.
The announcement follows a week in which Russia again intensified its daily drone and missile assaults on Ukraine. At least 12 people were killed in Ukraine last night as a result of multiple air attacks. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is pushing for Kyiv-Moscow talks, allegedly to establish a ceasefire and end the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, yet avoids direct measures—such as new sanctions—against the Kremlin to compel it.
“This means that all 24 pledged fighter jets will soon be present in Ukraine.”
Pressure on Russia
Brekelmans condemned Russia’s ongoing aggression, stating that President Vladimir Putin shows “no intention of seriously discussing a ceasefire.”
The minister stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia and continuing broad support for Ukraine.
In addition to the previously announced aid package, Brekelmans confirmed that the Netherlands is actively training Ukrainian pilots and technicians, and sharing military doctrines to help Ukraine build a modern armed force aligned with NATO standards.
Trump confirmed for NATO summit, Zelenskyy participation expected
Brekelmans also confirmed that US President Donald Trump will attend the NATO summit in The Hague on 24 June. He added that Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also expected to participate, although the exact timing of his appearance is still being coordinated.
Dutch F-16s for Ukraine
The Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, and Norway pledged the F-16 fighter jet supplies to Ukraine, after Washington’s approval in 2023. In July 2024, the Netherlands finalized export clearance for 24 F-16 aircraft. The first jets were delivered to Ukraine in August, although details on quantities and specific contributing countries were not disclosed. Additional shipments from the Netherlands and other partners followed in subsequent months.
Ukraine has sought US-made F-16 fighter jets for years to bolster its air defenses and counter Russia’s air superiority during the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.
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We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society.
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