Russia pretends it participates in peace talks with Ukraine. These talks can be effective only if Russians understand they have lost and there is no other way out, said Latvian member of the European Parliament Inese Vaidere in an interview to BNN.
When asked to comment on what Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov said, that in the current situation and high tension the threat of WWIII «is serious and real», the MEP said intimidation is the method and direction employed by Russian policy. She added that insulting and impolite statements about politicians of other countries is nothing new for Lavrov and other representatives of the Russian government.
«Russians are trying to intimidate both Ukraine and the world, and this is the moment the western world fears the most. But it is also a signal that Russians understand they will not be able to win against Ukraine. Ukraine will win this war thanks to the growing support it receives in the form of sanctions and supplies of arms. Russians are trying to play their last hand – the threat of WWIII,» BNN was told by Vaidere.
According to her, people shouldn’t be afraid, rather do all they can to strengthen NATO member states’ defensive capabilities.
The sanctions imposed so far, according to the MEP, are very, very weak. She says the EU and the world definitely should do more. She also adds that much tougher sanctions must be imposed against oligarchs and Russian citizens who support the war. «Russian citizens whose position is not so much against as it is in favour of the war also appear in Latvia. This puts at risk of Europe’s and Latvia’s security. Sanctions must be very tough, and national sanctions are some of the most effective measures, because Russians want to travel to Europe to have their children study at European schools and shop in European stores,» said Vaidere.
«I fully agree with the opinion of the US – we have to do all we can to make sure Russia is unable to continue and win the war. Ukraine must win, because the threat of war is up for Europe and the entire world. It is in our collective interest for the war in Ukraine to end as soon as possible and with as few deaths and infrastructure losses as possible,» stressed Latvia’s MEP.
As it is known, this week Russia’s Sergei Lavrov made a statement in which he said peace talks with Ukraine should continue. At the same time, he accused Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that he only pretends to participate in talks. Lavrov also warned that the threat of WWIII is «serious and real».
Commenting on Lavrov’s words, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmitro Kuleba said Russia can feel its defeat coming up, adding that the international society may further increase aid for Ukraine.
«Russia has lost its last hope of scaring the world out of helping Ukraine,» he said, adding that this is why talks of WWIII have resurfaced.
BNN previously reported that two months have passed since Russia commenced its invasion of Ukraine. Moscow’s attack has forced more than 5.1 million people from their homes in Ukraine. These people have left the country to look for asylum in foreign countries, Latvia included.
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