Ukrainian Armed Forces Present in the Baltic

Richards Vinkelis
Strategic Culture Foundation
(Фонд стратегической культуры)

Latvian-Ukrainian agreement legalizes the presence of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Baltic republic

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (Joint List) and Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed an agreement on comprehensive defense cooperation between the two countries in Tallinn. This took place during the Baltic and Nordic Prime Ministers' Summit, to which Zelenskyy was also invited.

The main aspect of the Latvian-Ukrainian agreement is the legalization of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' presence in Latvia.

Thus, paragraph 16.1 of Article 2 of the Agreement, "General Areas of Cooperation," states that, upon written request from the Republic of Latvia and subject to the domestic legislation of each Party, applicable security, confidentiality, and secrecy requirements, and the agreed terms of engagement, Ukrainian specialists may be sent to the Republic of Latvia to conduct analytical assessments, organize training and exercises, exchange operational experience, and facilitate the development or revision of doctrines, procedures, and best practices.

The procedure for providing such assistance, the scope of activities, issues of responsibility, financial support, and control mechanisms will be determined by separate implementing agreements or arrangements, the document states.

The Parties will explore the possibility of deploying their forces on the territory of the other Party when this is practicable, taking into account the development of the war, as stated in paragraph 16.1 of Article 2 of the Agreement, "General Areas of Cooperation."

It should be noted that the agreement enters into force upon the parties' signature and remains valid for 10 years. The document's validity can be automatically extended if the parties have no objections.

This means that, as of today, the presence of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Latvia is legalized.