The Cabinet of Ministers today agreed, at a closed meeting, on Latvia’s further course of action concerning the renewal of the European Union (EU) sanctions against Russia. The agreement ensures that the individual sanctions imposed on nearly 3,000 supporters of Russia’s war, as well as associated individuals and entities, will be extended for the next three years. Until now, such a decision had to be taken every six months. At the same time, Latvia is making significant progress in bilateral security and defence cooperation with France.
“Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has not diminished, so the sanctions against the aggressor must be strengthened, not weakened. Latvia will continue to advocate for additional EU sanctions against Russia. We will continue to support Ukraine and strengthen EU unity. Today, we succeeded in ensuring that the sanctions regime targeting nearly 3,000 supporters of Russia’s war is maintained and extended for three years. Throughout the negotiations with the leaders of the EU Member States, Latvia opposed the removal of politically motivated individuals from the individual sanctions list and remained the only EU Member State to do so until the very end. This was the morally right stance, and our allies in Ukraine appreciated it,” emphasises Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs.
The government had given the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – the institution responsible for coordinating sanctions-related matters, a firm mandate to ensure the strongest possible sanctions regime. Yesterday evening, the Prime Minister personally engaged in talks with the leaders of several countries to achieve the best possible solution for Latvia, Ukraine and Europe’s collective security. As a result, an agreement was reached to maintain a strong sanctions regime in force for the next three years.
“This was not a choice between a good and a bad solution, but between a bad one and a much worse one – a choice between changing the status of two individuals on the sanctions list and safeguarding the future of the entire sanctions regime, which applies to around 3,000 persons and entities linked to Russia’s aggression. By opting to advocate the continued application of sanctions to these persons, we have achieved a result that is more favourable to Latvia, Ukraine and Europe in the long term,” the Prime Minister noted.
The Government agreed on further action in three areas.
Firstly, the individual sanctions regime applying to nearly 3,000 individuals and entities will be extended by 36 months, thereby avoiding, for the next three years, a situation in which the future of the sanctions regime would be subjected to political pressure and attempts at bargaining every six months.
Secondly, the Cabinet of Ministers instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately prepare a proposal, the legal justification and the necessary draft legal acts so that Latvia may impose national sanctions on Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. Latvia will continue to use all legal instruments at its disposal to prevent the release of these individuals’ funds and economic resources in Latvia.
Thirdly, in the decision-making procedure of the Council of the European Union, Latvia’s representative will abstain, while maintaining and publicly expressing Latvia’s political opposition to the removal of both individuals from the EU sanctions list.
The Prime Minister contacted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Prime Minister of Ukraine regarding Latvia’s position and the government’s decision. Ukraine thanked Latvia for its firm and principled stance and expressed its understanding of the need to maintain a unified European Union sanctions regime.
Closer security and defence cooperation with France
Over the past 24 hours, the Prime Minister has also communicated extensively with the leaders of several European countries, including French President Emmanuel Macron. The discussions addressed not only the sanctions policy but also resulted in significant progress in strengthening security and defence cooperation between Latvia and France.
“I have been in close contact with the French President regarding enhanced security and defence cooperation between Latvia and France. President Macron has agreed to open talks with Latvia on our country joining France’s Forward Nuclear Deterrence Initiative, and a French delegation will visit Latvia shortly to launch the talks. President Macron has also committed to strengthening France’s military presence in Latvia, particularly in the field of air defence. Such a commitment will strengthen not only Latvia’s security but also the security of NATO’s entire eastern flank,” notes Andris Kulbergs.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence have been tasked with preparing Latvia’s position, a concrete framework for cooperation and a schedule for further talks on both Latvia’s involvement in France’s nuclear deterrence initiative and the strengthening of France’s military presence in Latvia.