Russia's aggression against Ukraine is not an isolated war but a global threat to peace and stability in the world - Braze

RIGA - Russia's aggression against Ukraine is not an isolated war but a global threat to peace and stability in the world, Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity) says in her annual report on accomplishments and further work with respect to national foreign policy and the European Union (EU), 2024-2025.

The report notes that Ukraine continues its freedom struggle against Russia's imperial aggression. The heroism and strength of the Ukrainian people, as well as international support, have prevented Russia from achieving its war goals. Last year, the Latvian government and people continued to be among the leading supporters of Ukraine, providing military, diplomatic, economic and humanitarian assistance.

"The people of Latvia feel the Ukrainian struggle personally - "to the bone" - because it is also about our security. That is why Latvia will continue its comprehensive support to Ukraine, including its integration into the EU and NATO, actively involving international partners," the foreign minister says in the report.

Russia, with its economy and armed forces suffering enormous losses, continues its brutal war against Ukraine for the third year in pursuit of its imperial ambitions and political goals. In Braze's view, Russia's aggression is fostered by the Belarusian regime, the involvement of Iran and North Korea, and China's economic and other support.

The report mentions that Latvia, together with its partners against the aggressor Russia and its supporter Belarus, ensured a strengthening of EU sanctions and an increase in import tariffs, thus further isolating, deterring and undermining the aggressor.

Looking back at the past year, Braze concludes that Latvia actively worked in international organizations to isolate Russia, to hold it accountable for its aggression, as well as to provide support to Ukraine and strengthen the rule of law in the world. In its UN Security Council campaign, Latvia used opportunities to expand contacts and cooperation with partners around the world and to defend Latvia's interests.

"The Aleksander Lukashenko regime in Belarus is an ally of Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine. It continues to carry out repression and violence against its own people, while ceding Belarusian sovereignty to Russia. We will continue to strengthen EU sanctions and support Belarusian civil society outside the country," said Braze.

The report states that Latvia is not currently facing a direct military threat, but that Russia continues to be a threat to Euro-Atlantic and global security and the international order. The foreign minister explains that this is why Latvia prioritizes strengthening the presence and capabilities of NATO allies, providing support to Ukraine and limiting Russia's capabilities.

Braze notes that under Canada's leadership and participation of 13 allied countries, the presence of NATO allies in Latvia has been significantly increased. For the first time since its accession to NATO, Sweden has committed to a long term involvement with the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia by contributing a mechanized infantry battalion of up to 600 troops.

In 2024, several decisions have been taken together with allies to implement the Alliance's military strategy, including regional defense plans. In 2025, with Latvia's defense budget increasing to 3.45 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and additional resources being devoted to internal security, Braze believes that national defense capabilities are also growing significantly.

"EU-NATO security and defense cooperation has become closer and more practical. It is important for Latvia that the outcome of this cooperation in the Euro-Atlantic area is the enhancement of defense capabilities, filling the capability gap, strengthening the defense industry with increased spending on defense and security in the EU's current and next multiannual budget," the foreign minister underlines.

In her report, Braze expresses commitment to continued close cooperation with Latvia's North American strategic partners, the US and Canada, bilaterally, in regional formats and in NATO, in order to tackle the threat from Russia, security challenges from China and other issues, as well as deepening economic cooperation. The foreign minister noted that Latvia's priority is to strengthen and increase the presence and closer involvement of the US and Canada.

"Following the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO, defense and security cooperation between the Baltic and Nordic countries, as well as among Baltic Sea allies has been significantly strengthened, and we will continue to develop it," the foreign minister stresses in her report.