Peace solution must ensure that Russia cannot resume aggression against Ukraine - Braze

RIGA - On November 26, in Kyiv, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity) together with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha participated in an extraordinary meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council, LETA learned from the Latvian Foreign Ministry.

It was convened by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, in order to engage in a discussion with the foreign ministers of Ukraine and the EU on efforts to achieve peace for Ukraine, including the talks held among the United States, Ukrainian and European leaders and senior officials in Geneva on November 23. The ministers also took stock of progress with the 20th package of EU sanctions.

"Ukraine must be present in all negotiations and decisions on Ukraine and its future, and Ukraine’s role is decisive in any agreement concluded. We welcome the negotiations between the United States and Ukraine, and the involvement of European countries, and we support the peace efforts by US President Donald Trump. Europe is united in support of Ukraine," Braze said.

She also stressed that a solution for a just and lasting peace must guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and a strong, democratic, resilient Ukraine and its foreign policy and constitutional choices, including regarding accession to the EU, NATO, etc. It must also be ensured that Russia cannot resume aggression against Ukraine. Only a "peace through strength" strategy through exerting maximum economic, military and political pressure on Russia can stop the aggressor.

"There is currently no indication that Russia wants peace, as evidenced by its targeted and increasingly aggressive night-time bombing of Ukrainian cities, killing and injuring innocent civilians, including children. Russia’s goal is clear and unwavering: through the so-called peace talks, it wants to achieve what it has failed to achieve on the battlefield - to destroy and subjugate Ukraine, to divide and weaken NATO, to change the relations between Europe and the US, and to reduce support for Ukraine. Russia will not succeed," said Braze.

Braze also pointed out that Latvia, together with the Allies, will continue using all possible platforms and channels to ensure diplomatic support to Ukraine.