Latvia to Spearhead Drone Coalition to Bolster Ukraine

The growing list of military aid to help shore up Ukraine's air defenses comes as Russia vows to respond if NATO air bases are used by Ukrainian F-16s.

Kimberly Johnson

Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 03:19 PM ET

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Ukraine's defense minister Rustem Umerov (left) met with Latvia's minister of defense Andris Spruds Wednesday. [Courtesy: Ministry of Defense, Republic of Latvia]

Key Takeaways:

Latvia announced it will spearhead a new "drone coalition" to enhance Ukraine's defenses, recognizing drones as a decisive factor on the battlefield.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy secured increased aid from Nordic countries, with Norway donating air defense systems, Denmark preparing a $1.1 billion military package (including drones), Finland doubling ammunition production, and Sweden providing non-military support.
Russia issued a warning that if NATO air bases are used for Ukrainian F-16 combat operations, it would consider those countries direct participants in the war and take "response measures."
The United States reaffirmed its support for Ukraine, with President Biden authorizing an additional $200 million in security assistance following President Zelenskyy's visit to Washington D.C.

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Latvia will spearhead a new drone coalition to help bolster Ukraine’s defenses against Russia, according to defense leaders of both countries.

The news is the latest in a growing list of aid funneling into Ukraine more than 21 months after Russia launched its invasion and also comes as a Russian official issued a warning for NATO air bases supporting defense operations in the war-torn country.