Latvia transferred 14 CVRTs to the Third Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis personally presented the armored vehicles to the commander of the Third Army Corps, Andriy Biletsky, during his visit to Ukraine.

In mid-June 2026, the Latvian side made another significant contribution to strengthening Ukrainian defense capabilities. Fourteen tracked armored vehicles of the CVRT family arrived at the units of the Third Army Corps at a time when the need for mobile equipment at the front remains extremely high. The transfer took place openly, in the presence of journalists, which emphasized the transparency and consistency of Latvian support.

The history of the CVRT family and its role in modern conflicts

CVRT (Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance Tracked) armored vehicles were developed in Great Britain in the late 1960s. The unified tracked chassis allowed the creation of a whole family of vehicles: reconnaissance, infantry fighting vehicles, command and staff vehicles, armored personnel carriers and medical evacuation options. Light weight, high cross-country ability and reliability made CVRT popular among the armies of many countries. Latvia received these vehicles from Great Britain in the 2000s and actively modernized them before transferring them to Ukraine.

In 2025–2026, Latvian CVRTs have already shown themselves on the Ukrainian fronts. According to commanders, the equipment has proven itself well in off-road conditions and when performing tasks to evacuate the wounded under fire. The additional 14 units will increase the maneuverability of the corps units in critical areas.

Raivis Melnis's visit and symbolic gifts

Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis arrived in Ukraine on a working visit at the end of the first decade of June. During a meeting with Brigadier General Andriy Biletsky, he emphasized that Latvia will continue to support Ukraine regardless of the amount of assistance from major European powers. “Latvia stood, stands and will stand with Ukraine,” Melnis noted.

In response, Biletsky presented the Latvian minister with a painting with a portrait of the prominent Latvian military leader Peteris Radzins and documents signed by him during his service in the UNR Army. Radzins fought for the independence of both Ukraine and Latvia in 1918–1920. In response, Melnis presented Biletsky with a commemorative coin, traditional Latvian black bread, and a designer knife, knowing about the Ukrainian commander's collection of cold weapons.

Cooperation in training and exchange of experience

In addition to the transfer of equipment, Latvia is actively studying Ukrainian combat experience. Latvian military personnel regularly participate in joint staff exercises with units of the Third Corps. Biletsky emphasized that the Latvian army was one of the first among NATO countries to seriously analyze the lessons of the Russian-Ukrainian war. This allows the Latvian military to better prepare for possible threats on NATO's eastern flank.

According to the Latvian Ministry of Defense, the volume of aid to Ukraine in 2025 reached 0,8% of the country's GDP. This is one of the highest indicators in Europe relative to the size of the economy. In addition to CVRT, Latvia supplies Ukraine with ammunition, electronic warfare equipment, and medical equipment.

The importance of technology for the Third Corps

The Third Army Corps, formed in 2023, is actively operating in several areas. According to Biletsky, every second ground robotic complex of the Ukrainian army operates in the corps units. Additional CVRT armored vehicles will increase the mobility of reconnaissance groups and improve the evacuation of the wounded from the front line.

In 2025, vehicles from the previous batch, transferred by Latvia, already participated in the liberation of several settlements in eastern Ukraine. The corps command plans to publish details of these operations in the near future.

International context of support for Ukraine in 2026

As of June 2026, the total value of military assistance to Ukraine from the Baltic states exceeded 1,2 billion euros. Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania coordinate their efforts through joint procurement and logistics routes. The CVRTs have become another example of the effective transfer of equipment already in service with NATO countries.

Analysts note that such assistance not only strengthens Ukrainian units, but also demonstrates the unity of the Alliance's eastern flank. Latvia, having a common border with Russia, is particularly interested in Ukraine successfully deterring aggression.

Prospects for further cooperation

During the meeting, the parties discussed the possibility of transferring the next batch of armored vehicles in the fall of 2026. Work is also underway on joint training programs for Ukrainian crews at Latvian training grounds. Biletsky expressed hope that the experience gained in battles will help the Latvian military avoid mistakes in the future.

Latvian support remains stable and consistent. Despite the country's small size, its contribution to Ukraine's defense capabilities is considered one of the most significant among European partners.

Sources

1. Censor.net, "Latvia Transfers 14 CVRT Armored Vehicles to the Third Army Corps", June 15, 2026.
2. Latvian Ministry of Defense, press release dated June 12, 2026.
3. Official Telegram channel of the Third Army Corps, post dated June 14, 2026.
4. Interview with Andriy Biletsky for "Ukrainian Pravda", June 10, 2026.
5. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report for 2025.