Ukraine is ready to share its experience of modern warfare with countries that have supported it since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Kyrylo Budanov said at the Riga Conference.
Speaking during a discussion on integrating Ukrainian battlefield knowledge into NATO, Budanov said Ukraine’s experience had come at an enormous cost in resources and lives, but could now help strengthen the capabilities of its partners.
He argued that modern warfare requires more than simply expanding drone production. Armed forces need an integrated system for introducing, coordinating and employing unmanned technologies effectively.
“It is no longer enough to have drone production — a comprehensive system is needed for their integration and use in the military,” Budanov said, adding that, in his assessment, only Ukraine and Russia currently possess extensive practical experience in building such systems.
Budanov identified joint military exercises with NATO countries as one of the most important ways of transferring Ukrainian battlefield experience. He said Ukrainian units have recently often participated in exercises in the role of a simulated adversary, an approach he believes should change.
According to Budanov, NATO officers would gain more practical knowledge by training alongside Ukrainian forces rather than primarily facing them as an opposing force during exercises. Such cooperation could also support joint research, technological development and weapons production.
During his visit to Latvia, Budanov met President Edgars Rinkēvičs to discuss regional security, prospects for what Ukraine considers a just peace and the country’s integration into the European Union. He said Latvia had reaffirmed its commitment to continued political and practical support for Ukraine.
Budanov also held talks with Latvian Defence Minister Raivis Melnis on military assistance and defence industry cooperation. He said Ukraine’s battlefield experience could contribute to strengthening Latvia’s armed forces, while Latvian weapons and military support continue to reinforce Ukrainian units.
Additional meetings were held with the leadership of Latvia’s Defence Intelligence and Security Service and representatives of the Foreign Ministry.
