On 25 February, President of Latvia Egils Levits took part in NATO Eastern Flank (the so-called B9 or Bucharest Nine) summit in Warsaw and later joined other NATO leaders for virtual emergency summit on Russia’s large-scale military aggression against Ukraine and strengthening of NATO eastern flank (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia).
Both summits confirmed the unity and readiness of countries to support Ukraine. Support will include military equipment and push for stronger economic and political sanctions sending Russia into total isolation. President and other leaders also spoke of banning Russia from SWIFT international payment system.
Serious reinforcement of strategic communications was one of the topics discussed by NATO leaders. President Levits thanked European countries for blocking Kremlin propaganda channels broadcast in Europe. However, that will not be enough, he stressed. ‘We must uncover Kremlin’s lies and false narratives perpetuated by Russian leadership. Truth is like holy water for an autocracy,’ said President.
President also promised that Latvia will provide refuge to staff of the Ukrainian embassy in Moscow once such request is made by Ukraine and country decides to suspend its diplomatic ties with Russian Federation.