Any aggression towards a NATO member state will cost Russia very dearly, assured the State Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andžejs Viļumsons at the “Composing the Future of Defence and Security” discussion organised by Latvian Institute of Foreign Policy.
He stressed that Latvia started working on security affairs immediately after the restoration of the country’s independence. Over the course of years, the security system of Baltic States has improved significantly, and there are now foreign troops stationed in Latvia.
Viļumsons believes investments into security are high in Baltic States, but they have to keep increasing. Military budgets have to grow in other countries as well, especially in the ones it hasn’t yet reached the required 2% of GDP.
He welcomed the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO, adding that this is very important to Latvia as well.
He is confident that western sanctions are effective against Russia. He adds that Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to hide the fact that sanctions work. Statistics show that Russia’s economy is drowning.
He points out that the ministry will continue to work to instruct partners that European Union companies must immediately stop working in Russia. It is also necessary to continue work on the fight against Russian propaganda, which is very effective, especially in African countries where there is a strong Russian narrative.