“Just like the Russian troops left the territory of Latvia 30 years ago, the day will come when all Ukraine will be free. A sooner victory for Ukraine is in the interests of the EU, since support to Ukraine and its success on the battlefield are closely linked to our own security. We must continue our joint support, which is based on specific Ukrainian needs, and they are well known – military support, effective sanctions, financial support and, no less importantly, moral support and fighting together, and faith in Ukraine’s victory. Let us recall that Ukraine marks the Remembrance Day for the Fallen Defenders today – all the soldiers who have given their lives for Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity since 2014,” Baiba Braže emphasized in her remarks to her colleagues at the meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers.
The Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, took part in a face-to-face discussion on the situation in Ukraine. He thanked his EU counterparts for all the support they have been providing so far – including the restoration of energy infrastructure, which is critical in view of the approaching winter season.
Baiba Braže recalled that the present week (August 31) sees 30 years since the Russian troops were withdrawn from the territory of Latvia, which Latvia managed to accomplish by internationalising the process and involving international organisations – the UN and the OSCE. Drawing historical parallels, Baiba Braže pointed out: “Russian war of aggression against Ukraine is not a “local conflict”, and Russia’s politics is a war that creates negative impacts and poses risks on a global scale. The first Ukrainian Peace Summit was strategically significant as it helps to shed light on, and explain the imperialist nature of Russia’s war of aggression, as well as to internationalise the peace negotiation process. It is important at the UN General Assembly in September to promote support and understanding among global partners of a peace process based on the UN Charter, including respect for national territorial integrity.”
Baiba Braže also underlined that the EU should continue the pressure of all kinds of sanctions against Russia and Belarus, and work rapidly on the 15th round of sanctions to minimise financial and other resources at the disposal of Russia’s war machinery. “The source of Russia’s revenues is not only gas but also oil, so there is a need to move towards much broader and tougher sanctions against the so-called “shadow fleet.” On the other hand, at the G7 level, we need to think about a solution to limit oil prices – to set a price cap on Russian oil.”
The Minister welcomed the first transfer of EUR 1.5 billion in revenues generated by immobilized Russian assets made by the European Commission this summer, on 26 July, towards the defence and reconstruction of Ukraine. At the same time, she called for finding a long term solution for channelling Russia’s frozen assets in support of Ukraine.
As regards control over the enforcement of sanctions, Baiba Braže reiterated that it was the matter of national responsibility and competence of EU Member States to ensure that existing sanctions are implemented effectively. “Regrettably, it is not happening right now. The recipients of EU goods exports, such as Central Asian countries, are insufficiently controlled. This creates the risk of circumvention of sanctions and, for example, of dual-use items that can be used in war, ending up in Russia. It also places a disproportionate burden on the external border of the EU – especially on colleagues at the Latvian Border Guard and customs authorities, who monitor compliance with sanctions and prevent violations or ways to circumvent them, thereby shouldering the full weight of the EU.”
In relation to work on the 15th sanctions package, Baiba Braže urged the EU Sanctions Envoy, David O’Sullivan, to provide information about the problems with the implementation of existing sanctions, especially in third countries.
Foreign Minister Baiba Braže also emphasized that Latvia was one of the most active supporters of Ukraine and would continue both military assistance and humanitarian support to Ukraine, taking into account its most acute needs, including Ukraine’s energy sector. “Latvia’s support to Ukraine constitutes 1 per cent of GDP, and will remain at that level in future.”
She also highlighted the fact that Latvia has delivered 3000 drones to Ukraine within the framework of the Latvia-led Drone Coalition, and is planning to invest EUR 20 million in the coalition effort next year as well. The aim is to deliver a total of 1 million drones to Ukraine until spring 2025.
At the same time, alongside support to Ukraine, the EU must work towards a solution to contain Russia. “NATO is currently working on a policy of containment vis a vis Russia, and there is also work to be done at the EU level on effectively reining in Russia, because the problem and aggressor is Russia,” Baiba Braže noted.
The ministers continued a discussion on development in the Middle East and were briefed by the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Haag, about the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Baiba Braže underlined the importance of ceasefire and called for taking the next steps to prevent a wider regional escalation, which is in no-one’s interest. The Minister thanked the UN for its efforts and stressed the importance of close cooperation between the EU and the UN in mitigating the humanitarian crisis.
As part of the Council, foreign ministers also held an informal exchange with Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan. Ministers discussed EU–Türkiye relations and current global challenges. Baiba Braže welcomed Türkiye’s support to Ukraine. The Minister called on Türkiye to work together, including as Allies in NATO, to bring to a halt the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Further information
- Doorstep prior to the informal meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers
- In focus of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers – support for Ukraine and developments in the Middle East
- Insights into the upcoming informal meeting of the EU foreign affairs ministers: LTV 1 RĪTA PANORĀMA news programme 28.08.2024
