Russia is the greatest evil ravaging Ukraine and threatening Europe - Jurevics

RIGA - Russia is the greatest evil ravaging Ukraine and threatening Europe, said MP Edmunds Jurevics, leader of New Unity's parliamentary group, during today's foreign policy debates in the Saeima.

Jurevics expressed his gratitude to the diplomatic service, ambassadors, and consular service representatives, whose daily work ensures the protection of Latvia's interests, assistance to citizens abroad, and support for Ukraine and its allies.

He emphasized the need to also thank Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity) for her consistent and rigorous work in defending Latvia's interests in the European Union and NATO, as well as for her contribution to ensuring continued support for Ukraine and the extension of sanctions. Jurevics particularly highlighted the minister's actions at a time when "a smear campaign against her was being waged by sanctioned individuals."

Jurevics mentioned Latvia's security, economic development, and the protection of its citizens abroad as several key foreign policy priorities. He emphasized the importance of the diaspora, noting that Latvians abroad maintain their connection to Latvia and help the country even while away from home.

Jurevics named Russia, which continues its aggression in Ukraine, as the greatest threat to Latvia and Europe. He pointed out that Latvia and its people have been supporting Ukraine since the first day of the war and emphasized that Russia is also carrying out hybrid threats against Latvia, including information attacks and pressure on the borders. Jurevics stressed that NATO membership and public resilience are essential factors that will prevent the aggressor from destroying the unity of Ukraine, Latvia, or the alliance.

He pointed out that supporting Ukraine is both a moral and a national security issue for Latvia, and that political unity on this issue remains strong among both the ruling party and the opposition. Jurevics also called for consistent unity on security issues during the pre-election period.

Speaking about the US as a strategic partner, Jurevics emphasized that cooperation with the US has historically been stable regardless of the political affiliation of the administration and that it will continue based on respect for the US as a democratic country.