Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs has expressed doubts about Russia’s readiness to pursue peace in Ukraine.
Speaking at a joint press conference on Wednesday following a meeting with Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity), the president said the international situation remains complex and fluid.
He stressed that Latvia fully supports both security guarantees for Ukraine and efforts to achieve peace, but noted that the question of Russia’s willingness to engage in peace remains open. Rinkēvičs added that the positions of the United States, Europe, and Ukraine are becoming more detailed and increasingly aligned on security and territorial issues, while emphasising that final decisions must be taken by Ukraine itself as a sovereign state.
The president also highlighted Latvia’s own achievements in the field of security,
including the strengthening of the eastern border and the decision to allocate defence funding amounting to 5% of gross domestic product. He noted that Latvia was the first country to actually vote for such a level of defence spending, adding that the commitment is aimed at developing real military capabilities.
Rinkēvičs reminded that the coming year will be an election year, which will inevitably influence public emotions and debates. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that “we will be able to handle all the challenges.”
Concluding his remarks, the president wished the prime minister “an obedient government and an efficient administration.”
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