**Latvia to Send 1,500 Combat Drones to Ukraine**
In a significant boost to Ukraine’s military capabilities, Latvia has announced that it will provide 1,500 combat drones to the country. This decision was made by Latvia’s Defense Minister, Andris Spruds, who revealed on April 1 that two Latvian companies will deliver a total of 12,000 drones worth 17 million euros to Ukraine in the first half of this year.
This move is part of an international drone coalition, co-led by the UK and Latvia, which aims to strengthen Ukraine’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities. The coalition has seen nearly 20 countries join since its launch in January 2024. Latvia, a strong supporter of Ukraine, has committed to providing military support worth 0.25% of its GDP every year.
**Ukraine’s Efforts to Scale Up Domestic Production**
Ukraine is also working to increase its domestic production of drones. In December 2024, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that Ukrainian-made drones accounted for over 96% of all UAVs used by the military in 2024. This indicates a significant shift towards self-sufficiency and a reduction in reliance on external sources.
**International Reactions**
The decision to provide combat drones has been met with varying reactions from international leaders. The US Senate’s dominating view is that Russia is the aggressor, and they must end their war efforts now. In contrast, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that Ukraine’s agreement with Latvia does not include NATO, and there was never any mention of the alliance in the deal.
**Russia’s Response**
President Vladimir Putin of Russia has shown footage of him shaking hands with Pro-Russian Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov handed over a list of alleged violations to US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. This move comes as part of an effort to present itself as the victim in the ongoing conflict.
**Ongoing Conflict**
Despite recent developments, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues. The Kremlin has shown footage of President Putin meeting with Pro-Russian Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik. The two leaders were seen shaking hands in a show of solidarity. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to engage in offensive operations, particularly in Donetsk Oblast‘s Pokrovsk sector.
**Global Efforts**
The international community continues to provide financial and military support to Ukraine. The Kyiv Independent reports that Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has announced funds to support Ukraine’s macroeconomic stability, bringing the total financial assistance under the Ukraine Facility to 19.6 billion euros ($21.1 billion).
**Cybersecurity Concerns**
As the conflict escalates, cybersecurity concerns have arisen. A recent cyberattack on Ukrainian Railways’ infrastructure was carried out by a group of cybercriminals who used malware specifically designed for the system.
The situation is complex and multifaceted, with various actors involved in different aspects of the conflict. As the international community continues to weigh in, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.