Baiba Braže reaffirms Latvia's support for Ukraine

Her visit took place as Russia carried out large-scale strikes on Ukrainian cities, including Odesa and Kyiv, both of which Braže visited. At least 22 people were killed in ballistic missile and drone attacks over the course of two days, and residential buildings, transportation and logistics infrastructure were damaged. During the visit, the Minister emphasised that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has consequences far beyond Europe’s borders. By withdrawing from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Russia has significantly reduced Ukraine’s supply of agricultural products to the global market and posed a serious threat to global food security. Although Ukraine has had a good harvest this year given difficult circumstances, Russia is blocking export routes through the Black Sea, which is having a particularly severe impact on countries in Africa and Asia. “This is an attack on the countries of Africa and Asia and on the global food supply system,” stated Baiba Braže. During the meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Braže discussed support for Ukraine’s ongoing defence, the situation on the front lines and other matters. "Baiba Braže reaffirmed Latvia’s strong and unwavering support for Ukraine’s efforts to achieve a just and sustainable peace. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Latvia for its consistent and comprehensive support in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," said a Latvian Foreign Ministry statement. Speaking at the Ukraine’s Annual Ambassadors’ Conference, Baiba Braže reaffirmed Latvia’s firm and consistent support for Ukraine, highlighting the close cooperation between the two countries in the areas of security, defence and international diplomacy. “Within the European Union and NATO, Ukraine has no closer ally and friend than Latvia,” she emphasised. “With its combat experience, innovations and technologies, Ukraine strengthens the security of NATO and the entire Euro-Atlantic area,” the Minister stated. In Kyiv, Baiba Braže also met with Oleksandr Pavenko, Latvia’s Honorary Consul in Sloviansk, and thanked him for his work, courage and unbreakable spirit. The meeting took place after the building of the Latvian Honorary Consulate in Sloviansk was destroyed in a Russian airstrike on 24 July. “Russia may destroy the building, but it will never destroy the determination of the Ukrainian people or weaken Latvia’s support for Ukraine,” the Minister emphasised.