During a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council's defense ministers in Brussels, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds highlighted the significance of enabling Ukraine's participation in the European Defense Fund. This call for support comes amid ongoing discussions about increasing military assistance to Ukraine and enhancing Europe's defense capabilities in response to changing geopolitical conditions.

In the session dedicated to Ukraine, Sprūds asserted that facilitating Ukraine's involvement in the European Defense Fund would create new opportunities for defense companies to test a wider range of products, while also promoting the transfer of valuable practical knowledge regarding military technology use in real combat situations. He emphasized the interconnectedness of European security and the situation in Ukraine, illustrating that supporting Ukraine's defense is crucial for the overall security landscape in Europe.

By advocating for Ukraine's inclusion in this defense initiative, Sprūds aims to enhance not only the military readiness of Ukraine but also the collective defense capabilities of Europe, thereby addressing the evolving security challenges on the continent. This move signifies a commitment among EU member states to strengthen their defense infrastructure and respond proactively to threats, acknowledging that security within Europe cannot be divorced from the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.