EU must maintain strong focus on Ukraine - Foreign Ministry

RIGA - The European Union (EU) must maintain a strong focus on Ukraine, Foreign Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Artjoms Ursulskis (New Unity) stressed at a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.

As LETA was told at the Foreign Ministry, the agenda of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels included discussions on the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia, military support for Ukraine, and the situation in the Middle East in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

""As Russia’s war against Ukrainian civilians grows increasingly brutal, a steadfast EU focus on Ukraine is in the security interests of all Europe. The only way to stop Russia is to continue increasing military support for Ukraine and to intensify pressure on Russia. Ukraine needs a positive signal on its EU accession path. We must find a solution to begin accession negotiations with Ukraine, as it has fulfilled all the necessary criteria," the Latvian representative said.

The ministers discussed diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire that would open the door to negotiations for a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. They also deliberated on increasing joint EU and member state military support to Ukraine.

One current objective is the initiative by the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, to supply Ukraine with 2 million rounds of large-calibre ammunition in 2025, worth EUR 5 billion.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who addressed the meeting in person, likewise called for increased EU military support and for tougher sanctions against Russia. "Russia will only stop when we stop it," emphasized Sybiha.

"Our commitment to support Ukraine remains unwavering. Latvia will provide military aid to Ukraine amounting to at least 0.25 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) both this year and next," Ursulskis said at the meeting of EU foreign ministers. Latvia's support package includes large-calibre ammunition, explosives, anti-tank weapons, air defense systems, and other equipment. Latvia is investing in Ukraine's military drone industry and is co-leading the Drone Coalition, established in 2024, together with the United Kingdom. This coalition now includes 18 countries. Latvia also plans to deliver 42 Patria 6x6 armored vehicles to Ukraine this year.

The EU Foreign Affairs Council also discussed the adoption of the 18th sanctions package against Russia, targeting the country's energy, banking, and financial sectors. The package includes further trade restrictions and robust action against sanctions evasion. It will also impose sanctions on individuals and companies supporting Russia's aggression.

"We must increase sanctions pressure on Russia by approving the 18th package as swiftly as possible. This will also help us move toward energy independence from Russia. Sanctions on Belarus must also be strengthened," the Foreign Ministry's representative said.

The ministers agreed that the EU's strategy to counter unconventional threats from Russia should be implemented swiftly and effectively. "To reduce unconventional threats, Latvia supports restricting the free movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen area and closely scrutinizing the issuance of tourist visas to Russian citizens," Ursulskis noted.

The ministers also addressed the threats posed by Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" and discussed possible legal solutions. Recent incidents in the Baltic Sea have highlighted problems in dealing with stateless vessels. Ursuļlkis urged fellow participants to maintain a unified and proactive dialogue with the flag states of the "shadow fleet".

The EU Foreign Affairs Council also discussed the escalation between Israel and Iran. "Iran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. The United States has taken measures to counter these threats. Stability in the Middle East is crucial for global security and the economy. All parties involved must return to the negotiating table to reach a diplomatic solution. Latvia firmly opposes Iran's support for Russia's aggression against Ukraine and its aggressive regional policy. Latvia will continue to support and advocate for EU sanctions aimed at curbing Iran's support for Russian aggression and its destabilizing activities in the region," said Ursulskis.

The ministers also explored possible EU actions in response to the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Discussions also focused on the situation in Libya, including EU support for United Nations mediation efforts. The Council adopted conclusions on Syria, including the addition of five Syrian individuals to the EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime due to their involvement in violence against the Alawite minority in coastal regions of Syria earlier this March.

In preparation for the 25th EU-China Summit in Beijing, the ministers discussed the dynamics of EU-China relations and a shared understanding of China's impact on European security: including China's support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, cyberattacks, and hybrid threats.

The ministers also discussed the deteriorating state of democracy in Georgia, where the ruling authorities are hastily adopting new laws and legislative changes without an inclusive process, undermining fundamental human rights.