As Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, Moscow’s powers live with the hopes of western solidarity collapsing, said Latvian ambassador to Russia Māris Riekstiņš in an interview to Diena newspaper.
«I believe we now know the clear causes of this war, why we have ended up Europe and how the world has ended up with this Russian aggression. […] Putin’s speech in Munich in 2007 outlined Russia’s dissatisfaction with the world order that was established after the end of the Cold War. They understand very well that their economy cannot compete with the west on an equal footing. The policy employed in the past year, I believe clearly outlines an intentional and focused action against the west and the existing world order with the wish to secure Russia a greater role in international relations, which has resulted in this imperialistic approach and capture of territories,» claims the Latvian diplomat.
According to him, as long as this policy remains in Russia, the threat to Europe’s security will remain.
«I feel that Russia believes they can maintain this for a long period of time. They hope western solidarity, the high level of which was clearly one of the biggest surprises for them since 24 February, will collapse and western allies will no longer be able to afford this policy due to high energy resource tariffs. I think this is what the power in Moscow hopes.»
The ambassador stressed that it is in Latvia’s interest to continue supporting Ukrainians «in her holy fight for the liberalisation of their territories, independence, their country, families and children».
«Currently the policy of the west, Latvia included, needs to be directed towards support for a sovereign European country of Ukraine, helping them defend themselves and our shared interests, because a situation in which a country’s borders change dues to someone’s imperialistic ambitions must not be allowed to return to the European continent. This is why we must support Ukrainians and prove to Russia they will not win in this war, they will not win against Ukraine, and they will have to leave occupied territories,» the ambassador continued.
«Our main goal is supporting Ukraine’s independence, fundamental rights of any country’s residents to decide how to live, which organisations to join and what future to make.»
«If we consider this unimportant, then it’s only a matter of time when other European democracies could face similar threats to their existence,» said Riekstiņš.
When asked if there are threats of Russia’s war spreading to other countries, Riekstiņš said NATO member states understand this risk and are «committed to working had to make sure the war does not spread, but, God forbid, if this does happen, the alliance is prepared for all kinds of scenarios».
Riekstiņš’s formal term in Moscow is over, but the topic of his replacement has yet to be discussed in Latvia.
«I allow this is not discussed now because Latvia is in the middle of forming a new government. Once it is composed, then we will see,» added the diplomat.