On December 5, 2024, Latvia and the United States jointly convened an expert gathering on sanctions and export controls in Riga. The event brought together officials from the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, the European Union (EU), 15 EU member states, and Ukraine.
The transatlantic coalition reiterated its commitment to use sanctions and export controls to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s brutal, unlawful aggression. These economic tools deprive Russia of revenue and disrupt its war machine.
As Russia continues to fight, it faces increasingly difficult tradeoffs. Sanctions and export controls are most effective when they are imposed with partners and aligned across jurisdictions. The impacts these measures have achieved since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine reflect the benefits of a coordinated international approach.
The discussion in Riga focused especially on countering circumvention and identifying new ways to increase economic pressure. The gathering provided an opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from a diverse set of experiences designing, implementing, and enforcing sanctions and export controls.
In opening remarks, Andžejs Viļumsons (State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia) stated: ”The unprecedented set of comprehensive sanctions against Russia that are successfully coordinated among our allies and partners is meant to keep pressure on Russia to end its illegal and brutal war against Ukraine. We can witness that sanctions are working, but our ultimate goal is to stop this war of aggression and restore the international rules-based order after all by achieving peace, security and justice.”
To conclude the event, Assistant Secretary Thea D. Rozman Kendler (U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security) explained: “Our coordination and alignment with allies is our strength. Just as our controls have never been more relevant, our relationships have never been stronger. These measures are disrupting Russia’s war efforts against Ukraine by increasing costs, causing production delays, and reducing Russia’s equipment quality. We are grateful to all of our government and industry partners in this effort.”