Russia and its allies are very adept at exploiting sanctions loopholes - ambassador

RIGA - Russia, together with its allies, is currently very adept at exploiting loopholes between different sanctions regimes, said Latvian Ambassador to Ukraine Andrejs Pildegovics in an interview with Latvian Television this morning.

The ambassador emphasized that it is important not only to adopt sanctions, but also to prevent these loopholes from being exploited. Pildegovics explained that there are sanctions imposed by the US, Europe, Great Britain, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, and others.

"This is a marathon on several tracks. In our opinion, a just peace can only be achieved by continuing coordinated cooperation and pressure on Russia in all possible areas," he stressed.

When asked whether US President Donald Trump's actions on the Ukraine issue could finally yield results, Pildegovics said that there were high hopes for this. "There is no doubt that the US president has leverage," the ambassador said.

Pildegovics acknowledged that sanctions against the Russian oil company Lukoil have been effective. Similarly, the US has taken decisive action with regard to the shadow fleet, the ambassador said, stressing that US diplomacy certainly plays a role.

At the same time, he admitted that he is very cautious and even skeptical about the ongoing and upcoming trilateral talks, as Russia continues to attack Ukraine. "Russia's rhetoric does not match its actions. This is a traditional Russian tactic. That is why this is a very important year," he said.

In his opinion, Ukraine is doing everything possible to show a pragmatic attitude. It is signaling that it is ready to freeze the current front line and make certain compromises. "But, of course, the fundamental issues are about territorial integrity," the ambassador explained.

As the diplomat pointed out, it cannot be denied that Ukrainian society is tired. And right now, Ukraine is experiencing what is possibly one of the most difficult moments of the war, said Pildegovics, emphasizing that the country is facing its harshest winter in the last ten years.

At the same time, Russia has intensified its attacks on thermal power plants (TPPs), including several in the Kyiv area. In fact, the Ukrainian capital has been in disaster mode for the past three weeks, the ambassador stressed, noting that centralized heating and electricity are available for about four to six hours a day, and there are serious disruptions to the water supply. He stressed that this is also felt at the embassy, which is located in the city center.

The ambassador said that many people have chosen to move to private buildings, to relatives and friends, which has led to a certain amount of movement of people within the country.

"I would call it genocide," he said, stressing that these are essentially Russia's latest war crimes against the population.

The ambassador stressed that all forms of support in regards to energy are important at the moment.

In Pildegovics' view, these attacks do not indicate that Russia really wants to achieve peace and freeze the conflict.