Russia must take full financial responsibility for acts of aggression and war crimes, emphasizes Rinkēvičs

Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs stated that Russia should take full financial responsibility for aggression and war crimes. Rinkēvičs participated in a working visit to Kaunas, Lithuania, from Tuesday to Wednesday, attending a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Nordic and Baltic countries. The ministers discussed strengthening regional security, countering Russian expansionism, regional approaches to energy security, and global economic challenges.

Rinkēvičs emphasized the need for a strong and unified position to combat Russia’s neoimperialist ambitions and continued support for Ukraine. He called for maintaining political and economic pressure on Russia while providing assistance to Ukraine. Latvia has contributed 0.8% of its gross domestic product to Ukraine and intends to participate in the restoration of the Chernigov region.

Regarding energy security, Rinkēvičs highlighted the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the need to cease reliance on external energy sources. He advocated for a swift transition to clean energy and the promotion of interconnection projects between the Nordic and Baltic countries. The discussion also included the results of the NATO Madrid Summit and preparations for the NATO Vilnius Summit.

Rinkēvičs stressed the importance of implementing Madrid’s decisions effectively and noted satisfaction with the alliance’s recognition of Russia as a significant threat, as well as the planned increase in NATO’s presence on the Eastern flank.

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