Saeima strictly condemns Russia's attack on Ukraine, calls to impose sanctions also on Belarus

RIGA - Saeima today adopted a statement, strictly condemning Russia's military aggression in Ukraine, calling to impose sanctions also on Belarus.

Saeima adopted the statement unanimously, with 93 votes from all parliament groups and independent lawmakers.

Saeima also condemns Belarusian engagement in Russia's military activities.

The parliament underscored that Russia's unjustified invasion in Ukraine's territory is a breach of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Saeima demands Russia and Belarus to urgently stop any further military aggression, pull its armed forces back from the territory of Ukraine, de-escalate the situation, engage in diplomatic solutions, stop all aggression and provocations against Ukraine, complying with all terms of international agreements.

Lawmakers confirm Latvia's unwavering support to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders as stated in the UN resolution of 2014.

Saeima voices solidarity with Ukraine and its society, supporting Ukraine's attempts to strengthen the country's democratic development and achieve progress in its Euroatlantic integration process.

The parliament underscores the necessity for the EU and its member states, as well as the allies to voice a united stance, supporting Ukraine's rights to decide its own future. The parliament calls on international society to provide political support, economic and technical assistance in all areas where it is necessary, including in sectors of security and defense to Ukraine.

The Latvian lawmakers underscores that it is important to provide military support to Ukraine, ensuring defense weapons in line with the UN charters, providing for individual and collective self-defense.

Saeima underscored the necessity for NATO to urgently strengthen security and presence of the allies in NATO eastern flank, including launching consultations on Article 4 of the NATO Treaty.

The lawmakers said that membership of Russia and Belarus in international organizations that defend peace, security and human rights and order based on international law does not comply with the unprovoked and ungrounded aggression of these countries against Ukraine.

The parliament calls on the EU to act urgently, imposing the maximum-scale sanctions against Russia, Belarus and their officials who are responsible for the attack on Ukraine's statehood.

As reported, Putin unexpectedly made an address on Russian TV channel Rossiya-24 on Thursday, announcing that Russia has started a "military operation" in Ukraine, calling on the Ukrainian army to "put down the weapons".

After that, Dozhd TV channel reported that blasts have been heard in different Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv.

CNN, citing the Ukrainian Interior Ministry, said that the blasts in Kyiv are missile attacks.