Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and the delegation of the Latvian Saeima discussed the possible creation of joint ventures for the production of UAVs, including long-range drones, at a meeting in Kyiv.

"Today in Kyiv I had the honor of receiving a delegation of the Latvian Saeima headed by Speaker Daiga Mieriņa. The main focus of the meeting was to strengthen our cooperation in the defense sector in 2025. In particular, in the production and use of drones," Umerov said in Telegram on Wednesday.

Umerov said Latvia is one of the leaders of the Drone Coalition and is making significant diplomatic efforts to attract new partners. "During the last meeting in the Ramstein format, we agreed on the coalition's work plans until 2027, including commitments to support allies," Umerov said.

According to him, during the meeting they discussed "the possibility of creating joint ventures for the production of UAVs, including long-range drones." The minister proposed to attract income from frozen Russian assets for this purpose. "The issue of strengthening Ukrainian air defense also remains key. Latvia continues to be one of Ukraine's main advocates in the international arena and in Europe on this issue," Umerov said.

He also said that the Latvian delegation spoke about changes in national legislation that will contribute to the development of the defense industry and deepen cooperation between the two countries.