It is clear Russia is experiencing internal turmoil, and we, democracies, have to remember such things can happen in autocracies and the situation can change very rapidly, said Latvian PM Krišjānis Kariņš, commenting on the recent attempted armed uprising from Russian PMC Wagner Group.
Upon his arrival in the Council of Europe, Kariņš stressed one of the most important topics for the council is the situation in Russia, the consequences for Europe and what should be done.
“We cannot control what happens in Russia, but we can control what we do one the outside,” said the Latvian PM, adding that it is important to continue strengthening Europe’s defensive capabilities.
At the same time, stressing that many Council of Europe members will be attending the NATO summit in Vilnius in July, Kariņš said it is important to adapt new NATO plans and continue reinforcing the alliance’s eastern flank.
It is also necessary, according to the Latvian PM, to support Ukraine. This include supplying the country with arms and finances, as well as support in Ukraine’s efforts to join the European Union.
At the same time, after the summit in Vilnius it is planned to discuss Ukraine’s possible joining of NATO after the end of the war.
The Latvian PM said the best security guarantee for Ukraine is NATO membership – “this is the only way to ensure lasting peace in the future”.
He also stressed the importance of Ukraine’s restoration – the country already needs dwellings, schools and hospitals. “Russia must pay for Ukraine’s restoration,” he said. At the same time, he said there is a lot of money held in the frozen Russian assets and that it is necessary to find a way to use these assets to help restore Ukraine.
Another topic mentioned by Kariņš is the topic of migration in Europe, stressing at the same time that for two years now Latvia has been facing an influx of migrants from Belarus.
Also read: BNN ANALYSES | Wagner’s deployment in Belarus ahead of Nato summit would stoke tensions