Security agreement between Ukraine and Latvia (full text)
Ukrinform provides the full text with a link to the website of the Ukrainian president.
Agreement between Ukraine and the Republic of Latvia on long-term support and security commitments
Ukraine and the Republic of Latvia (hereinafter jointly referred to as “the Participants” or “Ukraine and Latvia”), condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unjustified, illegal, and unprovoked military aggression since 2014 and full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. The full-scale war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine is a brutal violation of international law and the United Nations Charter (hereinafter – UN Charter).
The Participants believe in and work towards Ukraine’s clear victory over Russia, as well as Ukraine’s full accession to the Euro-Atlantic community through membership of the European Union (hereinafter – the EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (hereinafter – NATO).
The Participants aim at halting Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the aggressor’s armed forces and any other military groups from the entire territory of the Ukrainian state within its internationally recognized borders as of 1991, including the territorial sea, the full restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, as well as a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.
The Participants will make every effort in order to achieve this objective in compliance with the UN Charter and the provisions of international law, and taking into account the principles of Ukraine’s Peace Formula.
The Participants support Ukraine’s goal of Euro-Atlantic integration and appreciate that, despite the challenges posed by the war, Ukraine is steadfastly working towards this goal. Ukraine will continue to implement a comprehensive reform plan. Latvia will facilitate the accession of Ukraine to the EU and NATO by sharing its experience and supporting Ukraine’s reform process.
The Participants being aware of the devastating consequences of Russia’s aggression for Ukraine, such as civilian and critical infrastructure destroyed by shelling, environmental and ecological damage, an increasing socio-economic burden, mine-contaminated areas, and others, strive to jointly promote further bilateral and multilateral comprehensive support for Ukraine and its people to mitigate those consequences.
In view of the above, the Participants undertake to strengthen long-term security cooperation in the military and non-military fields as determined in this Agreement on Long-term Support and Security Commitments (hereinafter – the Agreement).
1. Scope of the Agreement
The present Agreement derives from the commitment by the Participants to further the goals of the Group of Seven (G7) Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine of 12 July 2023 (hereinafter – the G7 Joint Declaration), which are binding on its signatories.
Under the Agreement, the Participants undertake to strengthen and extend cooperation and partnership based on common interests in the safeguarding of international law and order, peace, fundamental human rights and freedoms, and statehood.
Latvia is committed to providing Ukraine with comprehensive and long-term military and non-military support, including in the areas of political, military, reconstruction, economic, financial, and humanitarian assistance.
The Participants will deepen their cooperation to help Ukraine win the war of aggression that Russia is waging as soon as possible, to prevent the significant escalation of the ongoing aggression and future attacks, as well as defend itself against future attacks. The Participants will support Ukraine’s economic stability, reconstruction, resilience, and reform agenda, as well as facilitate Ukraine’s EU accession and NATO membership process.
The Participants intend to use their best efforts in good faith to work together to achieve the objectives of this Agreement. Any budgetary commitments on the Latvian side will be secured only with explicit approval from the Government of the Republic of Latvia and, if necessary, of the Saeima (the Latvian Parliament).
Ukraine will receive multifaceted support from Latvia throughout the ten-year duration of this Agreement.
2. Areas of military support and security cooperation
The Participants are aware of the inalienable right of states to individual and collective self-defence, and they consider illegal any attempt to change borders by force. The Participants see Ukraine’s security as an integral part of the Euro-Atlantic and global security.
Latvia confirms its intention to provide long-term military support to the Ukrainian security and defence forces based on the immediate and future needs expressed by Ukraine according to, but not limited to, its future force design and the capabilities of Latvia. The Participants will promote cooperation aimed at the development of modern, NATO interoperable, and sustainable Ukrainian security and defence forces to enhance Ukraine’s defence and resilience capabilities, as well as capability to fully restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
Latvia, in accordance with its national legislative and constitutional requirements, and within its capabilities, will provide Ukraine with timely security assistance, modern military equipment, and weapons in all areas, considering Ukrainian needs in the framework of future force design, as well as other comprehensive economical support.
Ukraine will use the military support provided by Latvia in compliance with the UN Charter, provisions of international law, and the obligations of the Participants under the existing bilateral agreements.
The Participants will seek to ensure that Ukraine’s military capabilities are at such a level that, in the event of an external military aggression against Latvia, Ukraine is able to provide effective military support. The terms, format, and scope of such support will be determined by the Participants.
In order to ensure military support objectives of the Agreement, the Participants will hold an annual senior-level Strategic Security and Defence Policy Dialogue. The Participants will seek to develop mutually beneficial security and defence cooperation suitable for all situations, provided the capabilities of the Participants.
The framework for military support
Further support provided by Latvia will be driven by the needs expressed by Ukraine and will be ensured while assessing Latvia’s capabilities and capacity, as well as taking into account compatibility with the military support provided to Ukraine until now.
Latvia has set the target for 2024, 2025 and 2026 of providing the necessary military support to Ukraine in the amount of 0.25% of the gross domestic product annually, including military training and supplies of equipment and weapons across land, air, sea, and cyber-electromagnetic domains, provided the capabilities and resources available. In 2024 Latvia will provide approximately 112 million EUR of military support to Ukraine. Latvia will continue to support Ukraine, maintaining the current dynamic level, for as long as it takes.
Latvia will continue its participation in the Ramstein Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) to provide military support to Ukraine in coordination with Allies, including potential future donations of ammunition. Latvia, together with the United Kingdom, has taken the lead in the Drone Coalition for Ukraine with the aim of providing Ukraine with a million drones in 2024 and beyond. Latvia will also continue to contribute to the Estonia-led Information Technology Coalition and the Lithuanian-led Mine Clearance Coalition by providing equipment and training as part of the UDCG.
The Participants see it as vital to seize the opportunities offered by NATO, including by using the NATO – Ukraine Council as a platform for consultation and political dialogue to jointly identify future action and expand NATO support to Ukraine through practical measures, as well as to strengthen the NATO – Ukraine political partnership.
Latvia is committed to a continued financial contribution to NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) for Ukraine, which was further developed at the Vilnius Summit into a multi-year instrument to strengthen the interoperability of Ukrainian security and defence forces with NATO and to rebuild Ukraine’s defence sector. Total contributions to NATO CAP by Latvia amount to EUR 3.3 million, annual contributions to NATO CAP of EUR 2 million are planned for 2024 and 2025.
Latvia commits to supporting a joint decision by the NATO Allies on inviting Ukraine to join the Alliance when circumstances permit. Latvia emphasises Ukraine's rightful place within the Euro-Atlantic community, and works to support Ukraine in the process of becoming a full-fledged NATO member.
Latvia will continue to promote the provision of EU solidary military support to the Ukrainian security and defence forces.
Military training and joint exercises
Latvia will continue and, where necessary, expand its support for the strengthening of the capacity of Ukrainian security and defence forces personnel in particular, but not exclusively, within the framework of the EU Military Assistance Mission and bilaterally. Latvia seeks to provide individual and collective training to Ukrainian security and defence forces, including train-the-trainer programmes. The training will also promote increased interoperability with Euro-Atlantic partners and in compliance with national, EU and international legislation.
Upon request, Latvia would consider providing training sessions to law enforcement authorities, such as the National Guard of Ukraine, the National Police, and the State Border Guard Service, as well as providing material support to law enforcement authorities.
The Participants through the respective Ministries of Defence will pursue collaboration in the advancement of professional military education, encompassing future force design, integration of gender perspective and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in military operations and institutions, NATO concepts and operating procedures, and command and control.
Defence and security sector reforms
Latvia recognises the significant progress Ukraine has made in implementing reforms in the security and defence sector. Ukraine reiterates that it will continue to engage in comprehensive democratic reforms in the security and defence sector, in particular, in advancing defence reforms and modernisation, including by the strengthening of democratic civilian oversight of the security sector and improving efficiency and transparency across Ukraine’s defence institutions and industry.
It is important that future reforms are implemented in line with Ukraine’s Annual National Programme, which has been created based on recommendations made by NATO Allies.
Latvia will promote the approval and implementation of the EU’s security commitments towards Ukraine, including with regard to the strengthening of the security and defence sector of Ukraine and the improvement of reforms required for that end.
Defence and security industry cooperation
The Participants recognise the importance of the cooperation of defence industries. Latvia will explore ways to encourage and facilitate engagement of its defence industry to contribute to the development of Ukraine’s defence industrial base, including through investment incentives, closer partnerships, and collaboration between defence industries, including for mutual commercial benefit and coordination.
Latvia will work jointly with Ukraine to strengthen efforts to reduce the existing barriers to cooperation, and eliminate bottlenecks in the supply chain of defence materials, encourage its defence industry to invest, taking into account the general security situation and the legitimate interests of the industry, including by evaluating options for supporting the localisation of production in Ukraine, as well as by exploring opportunities for joint production.
Ukraine commits to strengthening its national defence industry and production capacity. Latvia will support the promotion of decisions that would ensure the strengthening of the EU defence industries and increasing production capacity in order to support Ukraine’s defence industry with the priority military materials.
The Participants will jointly consider ways whereby Ukraine’s defence sector can make an effective contribution to restoring its territorial integrity, acting as a key driver of economic recovery and contributing to an effective deterrence of further aggression, boosting Ukraine’s production capacity, as well as improving the harmonisation of standards and interoperability with Euro-Atlantic partners.
Latvia will work with Ukraine to identify funding sources required to enable development of Ukraine’s defence industrial base, which will include providing investment and financial assistance.
Latvia is committed to promoting decisions that would ensure the strengthening of EU defence industries and increasing production capacity in order to support Ukraine with the priority military materials.
Latvia will support, where possible, Ukraine’s efforts to integrate its defence industry into NATO and the EU defence and security frameworks. In particular, Latvia will support Ukraine’s defence industry strengthening ties with the European defence technological and industrial base, considering also the opportunities provided by the European Defence Industrial Strategy and European Defence Industry Programme.
The Participants will cooperate to prevent the diversion and the illegal circulation of military material provided to Ukraine. The Participants will cooperate to facilitate the protection of any transferred technologies and intellectual property rights.
The Drone Coalition for Ukraine
The Participants underline the increasing importance of the use of drones in strengthening Ukraine's capabilities and military success. The Participants undertake to establish long-term cooperation in this area by activating and attracting other international partners from the Ukrainian Defence Contact Group to the Drone Coalition for Ukraine established by the Participants.
Latvia commits itself to establishing a training centre and training grounds for unmanned aerial vehicles, providing financial and material contribution towards the goals set by the Coalition, as well as coordinating support among Ukraine’s allies.
Treatment and rehabilitation of soldiers
Latvia will continue the rehabilitation and treatment of Ukrainian soldiers in medical and rehabilitation institutions in Latvia, as well as strengthening Ukraine’s rehabilitation sector by implementing relevant cooperation projects.
Maritime security
The Participants will seek to coordinate their efforts on strengthening international cooperation in the domain of maritime security in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international legal instruments. Ukraine and Latvia will work on options for the development of Ukraine’s naval capabilities.
3. Areas of non-military support
Support for financial, economic, reconstruction and Ukraine’s integration into the EU contributes to the resilience of society, national capacity and institutions, as well as to security as a whole.
Bilateral relations
The Participants will continue to develop close and friendly relations in all areas, based on the principles of shared values, interests and solidarity.
The Participants will carry out exchange of visits and strengthen bilateral consultation formats.
The Participants will continue to implement the commitments of the Ukrainian-Latvian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Industrial, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, which form the basis for the promotion of economic cooperation, as well as the development of business relations.
In order to strengthen and expand the existing economic cooperation, the Participants will aim to ensure their respective socio-economic prosperity, promote the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and provide a secure legal and institutional framework for essential private sector investments, economic prosperity and economic integration of Ukraine, as well as a favourable business environment for local and international investors in Ukraine.
Ukraine is committed to continued improvement of the efficiency of its justice system with a focus on effective, fair and transparent settlement of business disputes, as well as taking further steps towards the rule of law and enhancement of the business environment.
The Participants will continue to improve their bilateral legal framework, especially in view of the needs related to Ukraine’s accession to the EU, reconstruction, and others.
Latvia will continue to provide the necessary support, including, if necessary, practical support to Ukrainian civilians who have arrived in the territory of Latvia. The Participants express their willingness to promote cooperation at the local government level across a wide range of issues.
Integration into the European Union and support for reforms
The Participants confirm the importance of EU enlargement for the strengthening of national security, democracy, reform, stability, growth, and resilience. Latvia supports a free, democratic and peaceful future for Ukraine. EU membership is the foundation of Ukraine’s non-military security.
The Participants welcome the historic decision taken at the European Council on 14 December 2023 to open negotiations with Ukraine. Latvia will do whatever it takes to support Ukraine on its path towards the EU and in the implementation of EU accession procedures, including by sharing its experience of reforms and integration into the EU.
Latvia will promote the EU’s unified approach vis-à-vis Ukraine, including through the Ukraine Facility, so that Ukraine could count on a predictable financial flow that is essential for the country’s macro-financial stability, reconstruction, and integration into the EU. Latvia will also support the further granting of financial aid to Ukraine based on its needs.
The Participants confirm the importance of the Association Agreement between the EU and the European Atomic Energy Community, and their Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part, for Ukraine’s integration into the EU, with a view to ensuring political ties, cooperation in the areas of freedom, security and justice, and economic integration, as well as the establishment of conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations leading to Ukraine’s gradual integration into the EU Internal Market.
Ukraine is committed to pursuing comprehensive and democratic reforms to ensure the resilience of the country, its society and infrastructure.
Development cooperation
Until Ukraine becomes a full-fledged member of the EU, it will remain a priority of Latvia’s development cooperation policy. Latvia will continue to support development cooperation projects related to EU issues in the areas such as agriculture, SME development, good governance, the rule of law, technical support, management of EU financial resources, and strengthening of national Supreme Audit Institutions.
Training of young Ukrainian professionals in the areas of EU law and economy will continue in the higher education institutions in Latvia.
Latvia is committed to promoting projects for psychological and practical support to victims of war crimes, including the promotion of assistance to the victims of sexual violence – men, women and children, the promotion of recording evidence of war crimes, cooperation in the field of human rights, and the strengthening of Ukraine’s rehabilitation system.
International contributions
Latvia will continue to contribute to the funds and programmes of international organisations and financial institutions in order to ensure the financing of Ukraine’s budget and Ukraine’s macro-financial stability, to strengthen Ukraine’s monetary resilience, promote the implementation of reforms and the rule of law, support an active civil society. Latvia will continue, as far as possible, its contributions to the European Air Traffic Management Voluntary Solidarity Fund to cover the costs of maintenance and related support personnel of the Ukrainian Air Navigation Service Provider.
Energy
Latvia will continue its support for the strengthening of Ukraine’s energy sector by promoting the organisation of training in the energy sector, the delivery of energy-related materials and technical equipment, the strengthening of the energy sector and the exchange of experience in energy policy making.
Digital cooperation
The Participants will jointly contribute to the implementation of the 18 October 2023 Memorandum on Cooperation in the field of digitalisation between the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Latvia in order to implement the sharing of experience in the fields of digitalisation, digitalisation of services and connectivity of the public sector, electronic communications and the radio frequency spectrum, the development of broadband internet access infrastructure and innovation.
Agriculture and forestry
The Participants will develop cooperation, direct contacts and sharing of experience in the field of agriculture (including fisheries), in particular, on Ukraine’s path to the EU, by implementing the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Latvia of 27 October 2015.
The Participants will develop a sustainable partnership in the field of forestry, including by implementing commitments under the Ukrainian-Latvian Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation of 28 September 2023 between the Ministry of Agriculture, and the State Specialised Forest Enterprise “Ukrainian Forests” and the joint stock company “Latvian State Forests”, including aimed at the restoration and mine clearance of Ukrainian forests affected by hostilities.
Humanitarian demining
Latvia will, as far as possible, contribute to the implementation of humanitarian demining measures in order to increase the areas of Ukrainian agricultural land to be cultivated safely, including by promoting the implementation of humanitarian demining objectives of international organisations and non-governmental organisations.
Countering chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) risks
The Participants intend to further expand their existing bilateral cooperation to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience against nuclear, biological and chemical weapons-related risks. Latvia intends to explore avenues of support to Ukraine in developing its civil protection capabilities and resilience against CBRN-related risks.
Cyber security
Latvia is committed to supporting Ukraine in the implementation of the EU acquis on cyber security in order to prevent, detect, deter and counter Russian and any other cyber aggression, cyber espionage and hybrid warfare as well as to identify and deter the irresponsible and malicious using of cyber capabilities by any state and non-state actors against the Participants. This will be achieved through enhanced cyber resilience, critical and digital infrastructure protection, exchange of information and experience and cooperation in the development of cyber security and cyber defence capabilities, as well providing technical assistance to Ukraine.
Hybrid threats and countering propaganda
The Participants recognize that Russia continues to manipulate information in support of its war against Ukraine. Latvia will continue its support for strengthening of the resilience of the Ukrainian public administration and society to hybrid threats, as well as improving Ukraine's capabilities to counter Russian and any other information manipulation, malign propaganda, including by supporting resilience to disinformation campaigns affecting national security through the creation of media literacy and a pluralistic, independent media environment. The Participants will promote the strengthening of Ukraine’s capabilities for combating disinformation and promoting strategic communication, conducting joint actions, exchanging information and best practices, promoting educational and training programs for experts, including by implementing cooperation at the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence based in Latvia.
Critical infrastructure protection
Latvia, within its capabilities, will contribute to the development of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure protection capabilities, by working with Ukrainian experts on improvements of regulatory frameworks and also by military means, prioritising, but not limited to, modern air defence systems and electronic warfare capabilities.
The Participants will explore launching joint educational and training programs for critical infrastructure protection specialists.
Security and intelligence cooperation
The Participants will deepen their cooperation in the fields of intelligence and security in accordance with the framework based on bilateral agreements, without prejudice to their national interests and in compliance with the legislation of each Participant in order to prevent, detect, deter, and counter Russian or other hostile state and non-state actors and any other subversive activities to secure Ukraine and Latvia from such malign actions. This will be achieved through, but not limited to, intelligence and experience sharing, as well as cooperation between intelligence and security agencies of the Participants, including pursuing joint initiatives, trainings and providing technical assistance.
Cooperation in the sphere of combating serious and organised crime
The Participants will cooperate under existing international instruments in criminal matters through information, analysis and best-practices sharing, identification, tracing, seizure and confiscation of illegally acquired assets that may be seized in respective criminal proceedings, creation of joint working groups, and facilitation of training in order to combat serious and organised crime (SOC), illicit finance, aimed at undermining Ukraine’s or Latvia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and internal stability.
The Participants will take actions to counteract the activities of SOC, in particular individuals and groups that are trying to infiltrate across Ukrainian society and are actively used as a tool of hybrid warfare to counteract the process of recovery and reconstruction in Ukraine.
Sanctions
The Participants recognise the value of sanctions in restricting Russia's and other aggressor-states' access to the finance, goods, technology and services it is utilising in its aggression, in bearing down on Russia's revenue streams, and to deter future attacks. The Participants will continue to work to ensure that the costs to Russia of its aggression continue to rise, including through sanctions and export controls.
The Participants underline the usefulness of the EU and national sanctions and the need to effectively limit the aggressor’s ability to carry out hostilities and sustain the functioning of its military industry. The Participants will continue to strengthen the sanctions introduced against the aggressor, contribute and take determined action to the elimination of attempts of sanctions circumvention, as well as to reinforce its own domestic resilience against Russia-linked illicit finance and elites.
While Russia's aggression towards Ukraine continues, Latvia will remain committed to pursuing robust EU sanctions against relevant sectors of the Russian economy and those in third countries who are supporting or profiting from the war, or assisting in sanctions circumvention.
The Participants will provide each other with up-to-date appropriate information on the grounds for sanctions, in compliance with relevant obligations and national laws.
Reconstruction
The Participants underline that the core mission of Ukraine’s reconstruction is to promote the future resilience of the Ukrainian state. The Participants will work together to support Ukraine through the restoration of civilian and critical public and private infrastructure and properties destroyed during the war thereby contributing to the creation of a more modern and developed Ukrainian state and society.
Latvia commits to engaging in the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine by concentrating its activities and investment as a matter of priority in Ukraine’s Chernihiv region and the city of Chernihiv. Between 2024 and 2026, Latvia earmarks EUR 15 million to implement reconstruction projects focusing on the restoration of social infrastructure facilities, psychological support for women and the transfer of expertise, especially on issues related to EU integration.
Facilitating a successful implementation of Latvia’s development cooperation programmes and reconstruction projects, the Participants will execute the agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Latvia on Technical and Financial Cooperation concluded in Riga on 11 January 2024.
The Participants will continue to promote the Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform initiated by the G7, as well as other coordination mechanisms, thereby promoting joint international efforts towards rebuilding Ukraine and achieving progress in Ukraine’s reforms.
Culture
Recognizing the cross-cutting role of culture in addressing the diverse challenges of recovery and reconstruction, Latvia will continue to support capacity building in the cultural sector of Ukraine, preservation and protection of its cultural heritage, the Ukrainian artists residing in Latvia, as well as sustainable reconstruction of Ukraine in accordance with the principles of the New European Bauhaus.
Ensuring Russia’s accountability
The Participants reaffirm their commitment to holding Russia accountable for causing losses or damage to individuals and entities, as well as to the state of Ukraine, as a result of its internationally wrongful acts in Ukraine or against Ukraine, including its aggression in violation of the UN Charter.
The Participants reaffirm that there must be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities and that Russia must bear the legal responsibility, including by making reparation for any damage, loss or injury caused by such acts, which will also help deter future attacks and support Ukraine’s recovery.
Being aware that one of the preconditions for a just and lasting peace is a comprehensive accountability and that the crime of aggression is the supreme international crime and the origin of all the other international crimes committed in or against Ukraine, the Participants will continue to work together with the view to the establishment of a special tribunal for prosecuting the crime of aggression against Ukraine, which would enjoy broad international support and legitimacy and be able to ensure the accountability of Russia’s senior leadership. The Participants will continue their engagement in the “Core Group on options for the establishment of a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine”.
The Participants underline their firm commitment to bringing to justice those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and other grave crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Ukraine and Latvia welcome the arrest warrants of the International Criminal Court and see this as the beginning of the process of securing accountability and of holding Russia’s military and political leaders to account for the crimes and atrocities that they are ordering, enabling and/or committing in or against Ukraine.
Latvia will continue to support strengthening Ukraine’s role in the matters of international law, including by providing legal support to Ukraine – strengthening the international sanctions system, supporting the work of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, contributing to the work of the International Criminal Court in order to investigate and prosecute Russian political and military officials for the most serious international crimes in Ukraine.
Compensation for damage, loss or injury caused by Russian aggression
The Participants will promote a solution to the establishment of a compensation mechanism for damage inflicted on Ukraine.
The Participants underline that Russia must be held financially accountable for the damage inflicted on individuals and entities, as well as on the state of Ukraine. Latvia commends Ukraine’s efforts to provide a comprehensive redress to all victims in Ukraine who have suffered from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The Participants will work to achieve that Russia’s state assets, including in Latvia’s jurisdiction, remain frozen and immobilised until Russia has paid for any damage, loss or injury caused to individuals and entities, as well as on the state of Ukraine.
The Participants welcome the EU’s decision to direct in support of Ukraine the extraordinary revenues generated by the Central Securities Depositories holding assets and reserves of the Central Bank of Russia.
As a priority, the Participants will continue to work together, along with G7 states and others, towards the establishment of a compensation mechanism to provide compensation for damage, loss or injury caused by Russia's aggression, as envisaged by the Statute of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine adopted by the Resolution of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe CM/Res(2023)3. In this regard, the Participants will explore appropriate options for the financing of a compensation mechanism to provide prompt and adequate compensation to victims of aggression.
The Participants will promote efforts on prosecuting perpetrators of human rights violations and war crimes against Ukrainian children. Latvia praises Ukraine’s determination to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children illegally deported or forcibly displaced by Russia from Ukraine’s temporary occupied territories. Latvia is committed to continuing its participation in the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children led by Ukraine and Canada, which was launched on 2 February 2024, and contributing to the achievement of the objectives set out in this Coalition’s Framework Document.
Mutual support in international organisations
In international organisations, the Participants will consistently advocate strengthening of the rules-based international order and adherence to the fundamental principles enshrined in the UN Charter. The Participants understand the role of the UN in achieving international unity and maintaining a global order based on international law. The Participants will work in the UN and other international organisations to consolidate Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as to hold Russia accountable for international crimes committed in Ukraine.
The Participants will continue their close cooperation and mutual support within international organisations. Ukraine will support Latvia’s efforts to secure a non-permanent member’s seat on the UN Security Council for the term of 2026 – 2027.
A just peace and non-recurrence of the Russian aggression
The Participants recognise that the security of Ukraine and Europe’s future depends on a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in Ukraine, which ensures Ukraine its rights within the meaning of the UN Charter and international law. The Participants will promote the widest possible support from global partners for a just peace in Ukraine. To this end, the Participants undertake to promote the implementation of the principles of Ukraine’s Peace Formula.
4. Cooperation in the event of a future Russian armed attack
In the event of future Russian armed attack against Ukraine, at the request of either Participant, the Participants will consult bilaterally or through other mutually acceptable channels within 24 hours to determine appropriate further measures.
In the case of Russia’s attack, as Ukraine exercises its right to self-defence enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter, Latvia, acting in accordance with the Satversme (Constitution) of the Republic of Latvia and other national laws and regulations, as well as in compliance with its international commitments, including the commitments arising from EU membership, based on the needs expressed by Ukraine and the capabilities of Latvia, will provide Ukraine with swift and sustained security assistance, modern military equipment as necessary, and economic assistance; impose economic and other costs on Russia.
In order to ensure the widest and most effective collective response to any future armed attack, Ukraine and Latvia may amend these provisions in accordance with Article 6 of the Agreement in order to align with any mechanism that Ukraine may subsequently agree with its other international partners, including the participants in the G7 Joint Declaration of 12 July 2023.
5. Executive and technical arrangements
The Participants will implement this Agreement in accordance with their international and national obligations, including commitments arising from Latvia’s membership of the EU.
The Participants will, if necessary, designate authorised bodies for the development and implementation of bilateral agreements in accordance with the areas of cooperation specified in this Agreement.
The Participants will inform each other through diplomatic channels of the competent authorities responsible for implementing the Agreement.
The authorised bodies will individually promote the conduct of consultations in order to discuss, make the necessary decisions and take the required actions within the framework of this Agreement.
The authorised bodies of the Participants can conclude technical agreements on specific areas of cooperation within the framework of the implementation of this Agreement.
6. Final provisions
The Agreement comes into effect on the day of its signature.
The Agreement is valid for 10 (ten) years. The Participants can jointly agree on its extension through a written notice no later than 6 (six) months prior to the expiry of the term of the Agreement.
At the same time, in view of the Participants’ commitments under the G7 Joint Declaration of 12 July 2023, the Agreement does not supersede the integration of Ukraine with the Euro-Atlantic community and its path to future membership in the EU and NATO.
In the event that Ukraine becomes a member of NATO before the end of the Agreement, the Participants will decide on its future status.
This Agreement may be amended and supplemented, including by adding annexes thereto, by mutual agreement of the Participants, which shall be made in writing.
Any disputes between the Participants arising out of the interpretation and/or implementation of the Agreement will be settled through negotiation or consultation between the Participants.
The Agreement may be terminated by either Participant by giving a written notice of its intention to terminate the Agreement to the other Participant at least 6 (six) months in advance.
The termination will not affect the implementation of ongoing activities or projects, which have been decided prior to the date of its termination unless the Participants decide otherwise.
Signed in duplicate in Vilnius on 11 April 2024, in English, Ukrainian, and Latvian languages, all texts being equally authentic. In the event of divergence of interpretation, the English text shall prevail.
For Ukraine For the Republic of Latvia
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy President Edgars Rinkēvičs
Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
