If Ukraine is not provided necessary support, any talk of ceasefire with Russia would be preposterous - Silina

RIGA - If Ukraine is not provided the necessary military and financial support, any talk of a ceasefire with Russia would be preposterous, Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity) said at the European Union Council meeting in Brussels on Thursday.

According to the prime minister's advisor Elina Lidere, Silina stressed at the meeting the need to provide additional military, financial and economic support for Ukraine and to strengthen transatlantic relations with the United States.

From Latvia's standpoint, it is also important to continue stepping up sanctions against Russia, to introduce additional import tariffs on Russian and Belarusian products, and to continue targeting the Russian "shadow fleet".

"Our priority is unchanged - we continue to provide Ukraine with all the necessary support and to weaken Russia's ability to continue its war against Ukraine," said Silina.

At the meeting, European leaders discussed the EU's role in the world. It is important for Latvia and all of Europe to strengthen transatlantic relations with the United States, to ensure the U.S. military and economic presence in the region, as well as to jointly support Ukraine, said Silina.