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Sunday, 07.12.2025, 00:36
Latvian MFA: developments in Ukraine are a litmus test for EU-Russia relations
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| Photo: flickr.com |
As the situation worsens in Ukraine, discussions will continue in the EU on further restrictive measures against Russia. Should the situation in Ukraine return to normal, the European Union stands ready to review the agreed sanctions against the Russian Federation. Genuine progress on fulfilment of the Minsk agreements is of vital importance, said the Minister.
Edgars Rinkevics also pointed out: by its illegal annexation of the Crimean Peninsula – a territory belonging to Ukraine – Russia has violated basic principles of international law, severely undermining trust in Russia’s activities in the international arena. Therefore, EU-Russia relations cannot simply return to business as usual.
Referring to the issue of non-recognition of the annexation of Crimea, the Latvian Foreign Minister underscored the long-term character of international sanctions. The policy of non-recognition of the annexation of the Baltic States was pursued for 50 years, and we regained our independence. We are following a similar approach with the question of the occupation of Crimea, the Foreign Minister stressed.
Edgars Rinkevics commended NATO’s role in safeguarding stability in Europe: additional security measures agreed upon at the NATO Wales Summit are an appropriate response to the changes in the security environment on the European continent.
At the same time, Foreign Minister Rinkevics highlighted the need for a dialogue between the EU and Russia. Negotiations in the Normandy format on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict are essential. The role in this process of the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini is positive and Latvia would advocate further strengthening the EU’s role in resolving the conflict in Ukraine, Edgars Rinkevics said. The Minister called for support for Ukraine, in particular, through implementing the provisions of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) with the EU.
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