On Thursday, 17 March, Latvia’s Saeima invited members of the United Nations to take immediate measures in order to impose a no-fly zone in Ukraine to protect people’s lives there.
The parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee prepared an announcement On Establishment of No-Fly Zone in Ukraine and Measures to Limit Russian Aggression for the parliament. In it, members of the committee explain that establishment of a no-fly zone in Ukraine should include guarantees for the safety in the skies above Ukrainian nuclear power plants.
In its announcement the Saeima also voiced full support for Ukraine, its defenders and people in the fight against Russia’s war of aggression, affirming Latvia’s unbending support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Deputies stress that Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked attack on Ukraine is a gross violation of Russia’s obligation,
and to be considered an attack on law-based international order, as well as a violation of international law.
Latvia’s Saeima responded to the resolution issued by the Ukrainian president on 28 February, in which he urged other countries to set up a no-fly zone in Ukraine’s air space. Deputies also found that Russia employs more and more inhumane tactics and weaponry in its attack in Ukraine, soldiers attack civilians and military aircraft bomb civilian structures.
In the approved statement members of Latvia’s Saeima remind of UN General Assembly’s resolution of 2 March in regards to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The Saeima points to the 16 March statement from the UN International Court of Justice, in which Russia is asked to halt its attack on Ukraine and deep concerns about Moscow’s military force are voiced.
Saeima deputies also invite taking measures to establish a safe humanitarian corridor in Ukraine. The parliament also urges other democratic countries to close their air space and sea ports for Russian aircraft and ships.
Latvian politicians also urge NATO
and EU member states to increase aid for Ukraine, supply military and defence weapon systems to help Ukrainian armed forces defend their country against aggression.
In the Saeima’s approved announcement, deputies note that sanctions should be imposed on Belarus as well, which is considered just as responsible as Russia in the war in Ukraine.
Saeima also voices solidarity and stands ‘with the people of Ukraine in its fight for their country’s sovereignty and safety’, the document mentions.
As previously reported, Latvia’s President Egils Levits said Latvia will have a unified position together with other countries in regards to no-fly zone in Ukraine.
On Monday the Estonian parliament passed an invitation for EU and NATO member states, as well as parliaments of other countries in relation to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. In it, the Estonian parliament urges establishing a no-fly zone in Ukraine and supporting Kyiv on its path to Europe and NATO.
On 24 February Russia’s army invaded Ukraine, attacking both military and civilian objects, as well as causing a flow of refugees from the country.
Latvian parliament supports imposing no-fly zone in Ukraine
