Russia will not achieve its aggressive objectives, and Ukraine will be a free, democratic country within EU - Braze

RIGA - Russia will not achieve its aggressive goals, and Ukraine will be a free, democratic country within the European Union (EU), emphasized Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity), while attending the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg on Monday.

As the minister’s advisor Toms Sadovskis informed LETA, in Braze’s view, new sanctions against Russia, the start of EU accession talks with Ukraine, and EU unity are a direct signal to Russia following the recent attacks in Kyiv.

One of the first issues to be discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council was the further isolation and containment of Russia. Latvia supports the regular imposition of new sanctions against Russia even outside the usual sanction packages, specifically targeting Russia’s shadow fleet and its support network.

The EU Foreign Affairs Council approved sanctions against 54 individuals and legal entities in Russia’s military-industrial complex and shadow fleet ecosystem, against ten individuals and one entity for Russia’s destabilizing activities, including propaganda, and against 15 individuals and one entity in connection with persecution, poisoning, and death. Sanctions were also approved against six individuals for destabilizing activities in Moldova.

Latvia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs called for the adoption of the 21st round of sanctions in July and proposed extending the sectoral and individual sanctions regime against Russia to 12 months instead of the current six months.

The EU Foreign Affairs Council opened the first of six negotiation cluster on Ukraine and Moldova’s accession to the EU. Braze expressed satisfaction with the progress made by both countries and called for the remaining negotiation clusters to be opened by the end of July.

In the discussion on the Middle East, the minister emphasized that any blockage of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran is illegal and unacceptable. Latvia is ready to participate in international initiatives to ensure freedom of navigation and supports closer cooperation with the Gulf States.

Braze expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and noted that the implementation of the US peace plan is the only path to long-term peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians. At the same time, she emphasized the need to maintain dialogue with Israel. The minister expressed condolences for the UN peacekeeper killed in Lebanon and noted that attacks on peacekeepers are unacceptable and must be investigated.

Discussing EU-China relations, the Latvian Foreign Minister highlighted the growing significance of economic and security challenges. She noted that China remains a key enabler of Russia’s war against Ukraine, leveraging technology and supply chains for rare earth minerals to advance its strategic interests. Latvia supports sanctions against Chinese entities that assist in the restoration of Russia’s military industry and the circumvention of sanctions, and calls on the EU to develop a unified policy toward China.

Prior to the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, the bloc’s foreign ministers met with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. The ministers welcomed the parliamentary elections held in Armenia, emphasizing that the country is capable of resisting Russia’s destabilizing influence. Latvia confirmed its readiness to share its experience in reform, modernization, and connectivity.

Meanwhile, at the EU-Egypt Association Council, Braze highlighted Egypt’s significant stabilizing role in the Middle East and highly commended its contribution to promoting regional security and dialogue. She also welcomed Egypt’s constructive engagement in efforts to reach an agreement between the US and Iran. Braze expressed support for further deepening the EU-Egypt strategic partnership, particularly in the areas of security, economic cooperation, and digitalization.

The meeting also included a session between the foreign ministers of the NB8 countries and Hungary’s Foreign Minister Anita Orban, during which they discussed continued support for Ukraine. Poland presented a study on Russian sabotage activities and threats in the Baltic Sea region, while Romania and Bulgaria reported on progress in establishing the Black Sea Security Center.