Ukraine's path to NATO is irreversible - PM Silina

RIGA - Ukraine's path to NATO is irreversible, Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity) said at an extraordinary Saeima sitting in support of Ukraine.

"I believe that Ukraine's path to NATO is irreversible despite various talk currently taking place internationally," the Latvian prime minister said, adding that it is Latvia's duty to help Ukraine get into NATO, because only there, "we can fight together shoulder to shoulder".

"Alone, we are not strong enough, but together we are much stronger," Silina said, stressing the importance of NATO membership.

In her address to the parliament, the prime minister noted that Latvia has increased its defense spending, underlining that Latvia is spending more on defense than ever before - 3.45 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). "We call on our European counterparts to do the same - to increase defense spending to strengthen our common European security. So that we can prepare for war but be at peace," said Silina.

The prime minister said that strengthening defense capabilities also strengthens the country's economy by developing the military industry and creating new jobs.

She expressed her gratitude to every Latvian citizen who has provided support to Ukraine and its people, and urged them to continue to do so tirelessly.

As reported, today marks three years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.