Whatever outcome of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, it will remain most serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security - Rinkevics

RIGA - Regardless of the outcome of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, it will remain the most direct and serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security, underlined Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, who attended the meeting of the Arraiolos Group in Krakow from Thursday to Friday.

The informal meeting was attended by the presidents of 11 European Union (EU) member states, who discussed strengthening European security and transatlantic relations, support for Ukraine, as well as the EU's current challenges and enlargement policy, Presidential Adviser Martins Dregeris told LETA.

The President stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. He stressed that Russia was undermining international law and order. Moreover, it has fundamentally changed the security environment. The President of Latvia expressed his conviction that military support to Ukraine should be continued and restrictions on the use of arms should be lifted.

At the meeting, the President also expressed support for the EU's enlargement policy, noting in particular the importance of the integration of Ukraine and Moldova into the EU.

Rinkevics also noted that security should be one of the EU's top priorities, underlining the importance of transatlantic relations in strengthening European security. The President of Latvia also noted that the EU needs to significantly develop its defense and military industrial capacity and strengthen its global competitiveness.

The Arraiolos Group is a meeting format for presidents of EU member states, which traditionally brings together presidents of parliamentary republics whose duties do not include executive functions.