We must prepare for Russia's long-term aggressive policy - diplomat

RIGA - The Western world, including Latvia, should prepare for Russia's long-term aggressive policy, said Latvia's new Ambassador to NATO, former ambassador to Russia, Maris Riekstins, in an interview with the Latvian public television today.

Riekstins said that the recent events suggest that the Russian leader Vladimir Putin sees the only way out of the current situation in stretching the warfare for a period of many years.

The diplomat said that this is based on the hopes of the Russian regime that Ukraine will not be able to stand it and it will be short of resources, the Western support will slow down, and in some of the countries election results might bring up forces who are not willing to actively support Ukraine.

"As long as Putin is in power in Russia, this policy will continue. We must be prepared to face it," said Riekstins.