EU accession negotiations with Ukraine should be held at the same time as with Moldova - Rinkevics

RIGA - EU accession negotiations with Ukraine should take place at the same time as with Moldova, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said in a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski on Friday.

Martins Dregeris, adviser to the Latvian President, told LETA that Rinkevics confirmed Latvia's support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and for Ukraine's euro-integration.

The Latvian President stressed that the European integration of Ukraine and Moldova strengthens the security of both candidate countries and the EU as a whole. He pointed out that Ukraine and Moldova started their path towards the EU together and that both countries should continue to move towards EU membership side by side.

Rinkevics said that Latvia would continue to support Ukraine in all possible ways, including by participating in the new NATO initiative to finance the supply of US-made arms to Ukraine.

According to the Latvian President, in addition to the existing military support to Ukraine, Latvia will financially support the new NATO initiative to purchase US-made air defense systems and ammunition for transfer to Ukraine.

"Ukraine's ability to protect its population and critical infrastructure from Russia's brutal attacks must be strengthened," Rinkevics said.

The Latvian president was also briefed by the Ukrainian president on efforts to achieve a ceasefire and a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

As reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a telephone conversation with Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics on Friday, Zelensky announced on social media.

The two presidents discussed a new NATO initiative on the purchase of arms from the US, which Latvia is ready to join.

During the talks, the Ukrainian President briefed Rinkevics on the negotiations with allies and the diplomatic situation, and outlined the steps he believes are necessary in the future.

"Ukraine and all other European countries need a stable peace and a guaranteed future. It is important that we share the understanding [that] this can be achieved with the support of the US and the unity of Europe. We agreed to coordinate [our] efforts," writes Zelensky.

Rinkevics expressed his support for Ukraine's quick accession to the European Union (EU). Zelensky believes that Ukraine has done everything necessary for this and that it would be fair to open the first chapters of accession negotiations at the same time as Moldova.

"Latvia fully supports Ukraine's membership of the EU and NATO," added Zelensky.