On 25 February 2022, the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council gathered for a meeting in Brussels, at which the Foreign Ministers of EU Member States approved, in line with procedure, the conceptual agreement achieved by the Member State leaders during the European Council on new restrictive measures against Russia targeting its financial, energy and transport sectors.
At the Extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council, Latvia was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs.
During the meeting, EU Member State ministers discussed the efforts and measures in order to, in cooperation with likeminded partner countries and organisations, counter Russia in response to its military aggression against Ukraine. Views were also exchanged on the ways to assist Ukraine. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, took part in the meeting via video-conferencing to offer an update on developments in the region.
Edgars Rinkēvičs shared his impressions of the visit to Ukraine, while expressing conviction that Ukrainians are ready to fight for their country. He noted that the conflict would have long-term consequences for the Ukrainian-Russian relations.
I believe that a third round of sanctions is necessary as early as next week, which would also include disconnecting Russia from SWIFT, as well as imposing additional sanctions on Belarus for its participation in Russian aggression against Ukraine, the Latvian Foreign Minister said. Edgars Rinkēvičs also added that today’s decision to suspend Russia from its rights of representation at the Council of Europe in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was the right step to take.