Kyrylo Budanov and Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs during a meeting in Riga, September 10, 2026 (Photo: Kyrylo Budanov / Telegram)
Ukrainian Presidential Chief of Staff Kyrylo Budanov is scheduled to hold a series of meetings focused on economic and defense cooperation during an official visit to Riga, Latvia, on September 10, according to an official statement.
“I thanked the Prime Minister for his continued support of Ukraine, particularly in the energy sector,” Budanov said in his statement. “It is important for us to expedite the transfer of energy equipment ahead of the heating season.”
He noted that the two leaders also discussed expanding military cooperation and defense industry partnerships to counter Russian aggression, emphasizing that Moscow’s hostile actions have long since extended beyond Ukraine’s borders.
The chief of staff noted the symbolic significance of holding the conversation inside a local automobile museum founded by the father of the Latvian delegation’s host.
The museum’s collection includes vehicles once owned by Soviet leaders Joseph Stalin and Nikita Khrushchev, as well as Leonid Brezhnev’s wrecked Rolls-Royce.
“The old General Secretary simply lost control of the vehicle, and the Soviet system was unable to repair it due to technological backwardness and a lack of resources,” Budanov quipped. “Any empire built on illusions and aggression meets the same end: wrecked, without spare parts, and without a future.”
The Latvian Ministry of Defence announced a visit by the former head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), Kyrylo Budanov, and his meeting with Defence Minister Raivis Melnis.
“The meeting agenda includes a discussion on the regional security situation, military support, and partnership in the military-industrial sector,” the Latvian Ministry of Defence stated.
Budanov will also participate in a panel discussion at the Riga Conference titled “Bringing Ukraine’s Warfighting Knowledge into NATO.”
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