Since the Middle Ages Russia has had a habit of breaching documents and treaties, said Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs in an interview LTV programme Rīta panorāma, commenting on Russia’s missile attack on Odessa after signing the agreement on grain exports.
Latvian minister doubts if anyone had any doubts [about the agreement working] before its signing. «Since the Middle Ages we can see a long history of Russia, in one form or another – empire, federation – signing documents and then breaching them rather quickly. The biggest example of this was the Budapest Memorandum, which Russian signed, guaranteeing Ukraine’s territorial integrity,» said the politician.
The minister said he understands why UN, Turkey and other countries insist on the agreement for exports of grain – the problem is growing, there are many regions in the world that may end up in a famine situation, which will result in security risks and more migration, which are a threat to Europe.
The situation in which Russia signs the agreement and then attacks Odessa demonstrates to the entire world that it is an unreliable partners. Politically Russia is a loser not just in eyes of the west but also the eyes of other countries. Time will tell whether the agreement is salvageable, predicts the Latvian minister, adding that he is sceptical about it.
«But if the process starts and Ukraine tries to implement it on its own, it will help reduce tension on the food market. This is important because UN member states must support Ukraine and condemn Russian aggression,» said the minister.
Ukraine and Russia have no shared diplomatic talks for several months, admits the minister, predicting that diplomatic talks will not be possible for the time being and the war will continue. Once Russia understands it cannot accomplish anything any more, they will sit down at the table. According to Rinkēvičs, when this could happens depends on three factors: Ukrainians and their fighting capabilities, the effect from economic sanctions and undivided western support.
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The minister believes that during the upcoming meeting between the president of Russia and Turkey the two officials will discuss the topic of grain, because Turkey has invested great political capital into this. There is also Syria.
Since US President Joe Biden has a meeting planned with China’s Xi Jinping, Rinkēvičs allows this meeting will be part of a long diplomatic process.
«We can see China providing rhetorical support to Russia in international organisations, including the UN Security Council,» said the minister.
Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received a note of protest from Russia regarding Latvian border guards’ treatment of Russian citizens that want to enter Latvia. «Latvia acts in accordance with its laws, and protesting what we do or don’t do in our country to protect ourselves is pointless. We will continue acting in accordance with our security interests,» said Rinkēvičs, adding that Latvia is also aware of cases when Latvian citizens were influenced in Russia and Belarus and attempted to be recruited, which is unacceptable. This is why Latvian residents are strongly advised to not travel to either of the two countries. «Now is not the time for tourism and making business contacts,» stressed the minister.