Zelensky and Latvia Move to Turn Drone Deal Into Joint Production

Overview

• President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis on Friday to shift the June 9 Drone Deal from signing to practical implementation.
• The discussions focused on setting up joint drone production and transferring Ukrainian wartime know‑how to Latvian factories so output can be scaled quickly.
• Latvia raised joining the SAFE instrument, a financing mechanism to underwrite joint weapons production, to help fund localized manufacturing and shared programs.
• Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation inside the EU, NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) and to exchange battlefield training to boost regional air‑defence skills.
• Latvia reiterated long‑term political, military and humanitarian support for Ukraine, including defense aid at about 0.25% of GDP and extensive medical and vehicle assistance, which officials say will be complemented by the new industrial ties.