On Friday, 8 August, President Edgars Rinkēvičs held a telephone conversation with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During the call, President Rinkēvičs reaffirmed Latvia’s support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and in its European integration efforts.
President Rinkēvičs reiterated Latvia’s commitment to Ukraine’s path towards EU membership, emphasising that accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova should take place in parallel. “The European integration of Ukraine and Moldova strengthens the security of both candidate countries and of the entire European Union. Ukraine and Moldova began their journey towards EU membership together, and their advancement towards joining the European Union should continue to proceed side by side,” said E. Rinkēvičs.
The President underlined that Latvia would continue to provide all forms of support to Ukraine, including through participation in a new NATO initiative to finance the supply of US-manufactured weapons to Ukraine. “In addition to our existing military assistance to Ukraine, Latvia will provide financial support for the new NATO initiative to procure US-manufactured air defence systems and ammunition for Ukraine. It is essential to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to protect civilians and critical infrastructure from Russia’s brutal attacks,” emphasized E. Rinkēvičs.
President Zelenskyy also informed the President of Latvia about Ukraine’s efforts to achieve a ceasefire and a just and lasting peace.