Latvia's supporting voice in international arena is important for Ukraine - Kondratiuk

RIGA - Latvia's supporting voice on international arena, ensuring that Russia is being isolated from international organizations, is important for Ukraine, said Vice Speaker of Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) Olena Kondratiuk during her visit to Latvia.

Kondratiuk today met with Saeima speaker Edvards Smiltens (United List). She told the press after the meeting that February is a difficult month for Ukraine as a year has passed since Russia started the war. 

She also said that there has been a productive talk in Riga about Ukrainian-Latvian future cooperation that is necessary on different levels - on presidential, parliamentary and European levels.

Kondratiuk said that Latvia's supporting voice on international arena, reminding that as the Vilnius summit is nearing, Ukraine is expecting a clear vision on its accession to the EU.

She underscored that Russia should be expelled from all international organizations. "We hope that also other countries will follow Ukraine's and Latvia's example (not to participate in the Olympic Games if Russian athletes participate) because Russia's participation in sports and culture events is not acceptable," she said.

Smiltens told the press that Latvia and Ukraine have close cooperation. Ukraine is now getting ready for another wave of attack from Russia, therefore serious international assistance is needed.

"Latvia will support Ukraine until its victory, until the moment its territory is freed. Russia has to be held responsible for its bloody atrocities, the guilty persons should be punished. It is a story about whether the rule of law or the rights to power will rule the world eventually.  Whether international rights have the power and meaning. Ukraine should be rebuilt," said Smiltens.

Kondratiuk thanked Latvia for all kinds of support, training of its troops and rehabilitation. 

She also said that she is glad that these days in Latvia are dedicated to support to Ukraine This gives hopes that Ukraine is not alone in its fight.