Latvia is already fighting to keep Ukraine on the agenda as the Iran war consumes the spotlight

Latvia's Foreign Minister Baiba Braže warned that the war in Iran must not push Ukraine support, constraining Russia's capabilities, and NATO strengthening off the international agenda, Delfi reported on 2 March. Braže said Iran's entire leadership team has been eliminated, with surviving officials operating in a decentralized manner — a situation that could prolong the conflict and and develop along unpredictable scenarios.

Latvia names three priorities the Iran war must not erase

In a TV3 interview on 2 March, Braže said Latvia's priority amid the Iran conflict is clear: ensure that Ukraine support, constraining Russia's capabilities, and strengthening NATO do not disappear from the list of international priorities, according to Delfi. She stressed that while no one wants escalation, anything is possible when it comes to the conflict's trajectory.

Iran's shattered chain of command could mean a long, unpredictable war

Braže noted that after the elimination of Iran's leadership, remaining officials largely operate in a decentralized fashion. This means the conflict could continue in a fragmented format and develop along various scenarios — including a prolonged one. At the same time, she said she has heard signals that some of the surviving Iranian officials are open to a managed exit from the conflict. Braže expressed hope the outcome could ultimately bring a new regime in Iran more willing to cooperate with the rest of the world.

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A small country with an outsized stake in Ukraine's survival

Braže speaks for a country of under two million people that has become one of Ukraine's most committed allies. Latvia co-leads the international drone coalition with the UK — an 18-nation effort that has pledged nearly €2 bn in drone support. 

In 2025, Latvia delivered 12,000 combat drones to Ukraine and committed €110 million for 2026 focused on drones, electronic warfare, and the PURL weapons funding mechanism. 

In 2024, Latvia exceeded its own pledge, delivering €170 million in military aid — including Patria armored personnel carriers and reconnaissance vehicles — against a promised €112 million. 

Latvia's defense spending is set to reach 5% of GDP this year, and the country was the first Baltic state to sign a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine in April 2024.