Latvian Foreign Minister Warns of Russia’s Strategic Moves in Ukraine Negotiations

United Nations — Latvia’s Foreign Minister, Baiba Braže, has cautioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to achieve through peace negotiations what he has not been able to by military means: weakening the U.S. and regaining control over Ukraine, America’s ally and Europe’s smallest neighbor.

Speaking with The Associated Press on Tuesday, during a week of intense diplomacy, Braže emphasized her concerns about a shift in Washington’s stance under President Donald Trump. The Trump administration announced direct conversations with Russia, initially excluding Ukraine and its European allies.

“I think the difficulty is with the Russians, because it is they who want to weaken the power of the United States and who want to weaken the United States in the world in general,” said Braže.

Braže further stated that despite Russia’s substantial military efforts, occupying less than 20% of Ukraine since the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the large-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Putin has not managed to significantly weaken Washington or NATO, or overthrow Ukraine’s democratic government in Kyiv.

The Latvian Foreign Minister highlighted that Putin’s interventions, such as supporting authoritarian regimes, are aimed at controlling both the territory and political decisions of other countries. For example, in Syria, Putin backed Bashar Assad’s regime and secured military bases in the Mediterranean.

Braže cautioned that Putin will likely attempt to achieve his goals through peace negotiations, emphasizing the importance of remembering this perspective in any agreement.

European and American Diplomatic Efforts

Despite Moscow and Washington conducting negotiations in Saudi Arabia last week, Braże added that Europe remains included due to constant contact with Ukrainian and American officials.

This diplomatic engagement was strengthened when French President Emmanuel Macron met with Trump at the White House, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was planned to meet with the Trump administration within the week.

The Latvian diplomat underscored the need for Europe to bolster the transatlantic alliance and enhance its own armed forces and defense capabilities.

The Security of Europe’s Eastern Border

Latvia has announced plans to increase its defense spending to 4% of GDP next year, aligning with NATO’s agreement that its members to allocate at least 2%.

“We are investing in our own abilities. We want all Europeans to do the same. That is one of the topics we are discussing,” Braže said.

As NATO members, Latvia and its neighboring Baltic states, Estonia and Lithuania, must prepare for any potential future aggression from Russia. Like Ukraine, these countries regained independence with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The threat is particularly alarming because Latvia was occupied by Nazis during World War II, then by Soviet forces after the war. Highlighting this historical context, Braže noted that the management of European security must remain proactive, prioritizing deterrence, early alert systems, and military readiness.

U.S.-European Diplomatic Efforts Add Resolve

Addressing the UN, Braže stressed that “only the victory of Ukraine can guarantee lasting security and end Russia’s imperialist aggression.” She added that a hurried ceasefire might only embolden Russia, potentially leading to further expansion and dire consequences for global security.

“We firmly believe that a hurried fire will not lead to sustainable peace. On the other hand, it will only encourage Russia, promoting greater expansion and putting global security at a serious risk.”

Macron confirmed that he had spoken with 30 European and allied leaders, adding that some leaders had indicated their willingness to be part of the security guarantees for Ukraine in a peace agreement.

Braže admitted that while preliminary discussions have begun, there is still no concrete peace process underway, stressing that any security measures must be guided by Ukraine’s military and political needs.

“For any security force, we need military orientation,” noted Braže. “We need military advice. What kind of strength are there? Where? Have the troops been removed from the Russian side of the contact line? As far as? What is the location of any security force? For Braže, the most important thing is lasting peace, not an immediately rushed peace where all risks could escalate again.

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Nobody wants that”