Further steps are needed to adopt sanctions against Russia and its 'shadow fleet' - Braze

RIGA - Further steps should be taken to adopt sanctions against Russia and its "shadow fleet", as well as to step up cooperation with third countries to prevent sanctions evasion, underlined Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity).

The Foreign Ministry informed LETA that during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the Minister attended the G7+ Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the meeting of the Baltic and Nordic (NB8) Foreign Ministers with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, as well as the global high-level meeting on artificial intelligence organized by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

At the G7+ Foreign Ministers' meeting on support to Ukraine's energy sector, the Minister stressed the need to provide not only immediate support to restore and strengthen the energy system, but also to weaken Russia's combat capabilities.

She stressed that it is essential to undermine Russia's ability to continue its systematic attacks against Ukraine, especially against civilians and energy infrastructure. All agreed on the need to degrade Russia's military capabilities, including by curbing its military industry and preventing sanctions evasion. Practical support provided by Latvian energy companies to Ukraine's energy sector this year has included several power plants, hydro power plants, generators, as well as more than 50 transformers.

Together with the NB8 foreign ministers, Braze met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The exchange of views with the new Ukrainian Foreign Minister focused on a coordinated approach to maintaining and increasing international support to Ukraine. The NB8 countries confirmed their readiness to provide further financial, humanitarian and military support to Ukraine in its fight against the aggressor.

The Foreign Minister also met with representatives of Google, with whom she discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in the field of new technologies, building on the strengths and innovations of Latvia's information and technology sector, including in the security sector. The Minister briefed the Google representatives on Latvia's plans to establish a National Center for Artificial Intelligence.

Minister Braze also participated in a meeting on artificial intelligence organized by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, focusing on the safe and reliable use of artificial intelligence to promote sustainable development. In Braze's view, Latvia has a good track record in this area in the private sector, and it is therefore essential to build international scientific and technological partnerships to foster further development. Latvia advocates balancing the opportunities and potential risks of AI. The opportunities of AI should be used both for economic development and for strengthening cyber-security, the Foreign Minister said.

The informal meeting of European Union (EU) foreign ministers discussed two issues: tensions in the Middle East and Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Ministers stressed the need to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and to prevent an escalation of the situation in the region.

In the context of Russian aggression, ministers had an extensive discussion with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha, who expressed his gratitude for the support given to Ukraine so far and called for an increase in military assistance to counter Russian aggression. In particular, Ukraine needs further support in the supply of air defense systems and ammunition, as well as in the energy sector. Braze reiterated Latvia's readiness to continue to provide all forms of support to Ukraine.

In addition to the day's events, the Foreign Minister had a bilateral meeting with Liechtenstein's Foreign Minister Dominique Hasler, focusing on cooperation in holding Russia accountable for its war of aggression against Ukraine.