On 11 April 2022, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, took part in place in the meeting of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, at which EU foreign ministers discussed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the Global Gateway connectivity strategy, as well as having a meeting with the chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan.
In a meeting with the ICC Prosecutor, Edgars Rinkēvičs thanked him on behalf of Latvia for the activities the court had launched to hold accountable the officials of the Russian Federation responsible for the appalling crimes perpetrated in Ukraine.
Latvia fully supports the work of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in carrying out investigations into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine and against Ukrainian people, the Foreign Minister said. He announced that the Latvian Government has passed a decision to make a contribution of 100,000 euros in support of the Office of the Prosecutor. The Minister also informed the Council that Latvia’s law enforcement authorities were considering the call of the ICC to nominate experts in various fields of competence. Criminal proceedings have been initiated in Latvia on crimes against humanity, crimes against peace, crimes of aggression, and war crimes. Thus, an investigation group will work to obtain and document evidence on was crimes and crimes against humanity and peace committed in the territory of Ukraine.
The Council held an exchange of views on the Global Gateway connectivity strategy and the EU Member States’ perspective of further steps towards its implementation. Edgars Rinkēvičs noted that the implementation of the already existing connectivity partnerships should be stepped up in order to prevent disruptions in EU supply chains. Russia’s war against Ukraine has created a need for adjusting the EU’s approach to connectivity, the Minister pointed out.
Ways must also be sought of how the strategy could help restore Ukraine’s connectivity infrastructure after the war. The strategy must then be viewed in relation to funds and financial instruments that would be envisaged to restore Ukraine’s infrastructure and connectivity. At the same time, the geopolitical interests of Member States should be balanced as concerns the allocation of, and planning for EU funding, Edgars Rinkēvičs said.
A sanction pressure on Russia should continue through imposing significant restrictions on its major sources of income, for instance oil trade, the Minister noted. The shortcomings of the existing sanctions and the loopholes to evade them must be eliminated. At the same time, it must be achieved that European Union Member States pursue a unified practice in applying the sanctions. International isolation of Russia and Belarus must also continue. At this point, the European Union should focus its assistance on the strengthening of Ukraine’s resistance capabilities and resilience. By increasing support, we shall improve the position of Ukraine vis à vis Russia’s absurd demands. Ukraine must be supported in documenting evidence against Russia’s war crimes, Edgars Rinkēvičs underlined in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine.