Russia poses threat to global food security - Braze

RIGA - By withdrawing from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Russia has significantly reduced Ukraine's supply of agricultural products to the global market and posed a serious threat to global food security, Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity) emphasized during her visit to Ukraine.

Earlier this week, Braze, visited Odesa and Kyiv during a working visit to Ukraine, the minister's advisor Toms Sadovskis informed LETA. During the visit, Braze met with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Foreign Minister Andrii Sibyha, and other top officials of the government, as well as participated in Ukraine's Annual Ambassadors' Conference.

During the visit, the minister emphasized that Russia's aggression against Ukraine has consequences far beyond Europe's borders. Braze noted that, although Ukraine has had a bountiful harvest this year, Russia is blocking export routes through the Black Sea, which particularly affects countries in Africa and Asia. In her view, this constitutes an attack on African and Asian countries and on the global food supply system.

During the meeting with the president of Ukraine, they discussed support for Ukraine's defense, the progress of the peace process, Ukraine's accession negotiations with the European Union, and future priorities. Braze reaffirmed Latvia's unwavering support for Ukraine's efforts to achieve a just and sustainable peace. For his part, Zelenskyy thanked Latvia for its consistent and comprehensive support in defending Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Speaking at the meeting of Ukrainian ambassadors, Braze reaffirmed Latvia's firm and consistent support for Ukraine, emphasizing the close cooperation between the two countries in the areas of security, defense, and international diplomacy. She emphasized that, within the EU and NATO, "Ukraine has no closer ally and friend than Latvia."

Braze also emphasized that Ukraine is not only a recipient of support but also a pillar of security for the entire Euro-Atlantic community. She emphasized that, through its combat experience, innovations, and technologies, Ukraine strengthens the security of NATO and the entire Euro-Atlantic area. Braze reaffirmed Latvia's support for Ukraine's integration into the EU and for opening all remaining negotiation chapters as soon as possible, urging Ukraine to continue its intensive and effective reform efforts.

Braze also met with Latvia's Honorary Consul in Sloviansk Oleksandr Pavenko. As reported, the building housing the Latvian honorary consulate was destroyed in a Russian airstrike on July 24. Braze noted that Russia may destroy the building, but it "will not destroy the Ukrainian people's resolve or dampen Latvia's support for Ukraine."

In Odesa, the minister met with the leadership of the regional and military administrations and representatives of the Ukrainian Navy. The talks focused on the current situation in the context of Russian aggression and security challenges in the Black Sea.

Braze emphasized the importance of the bilateral defense cooperation agreement between Latvia and Ukraine signed in June. It is expected to strengthen Latvia's defense capabilities and facilitate the transfer of expertise from Ukrainian specialists in the areas of airspace and anti-drone defense.

Braze also emphasized that Latvia will continue to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine, including allocating at least 0.25 percent of its gross domestic product to military aid in 2026. In the Latvian foreign minister's view, this is not only an investment in the defense of Ukraine and all of Europe, but also in Latvia's economy and the development of innovation. She cited export license data showing that Ukraine regularly purchases technologies and solutions offered by Latvian companies.

During a visit to critical infrastructure and energy facilities in Odessa, the Latvian foreign minister provided an update on Latvia's practical assistance in strengthening Ukraine's energy sector ahead of the upcoming winter. Latvia is supplying transformers, fuel, and cogeneration equipment, and is preparing to donate equipment from the TEC-2 power plant.

In honor of the Ukrainian defenders who fell in the fight for their country's freedom and independence, Braze laid flowers at a memorial site in Odessa.