Foto: BB.LV / Браже
Russia is trying to shift international attention from the war in Ukraine to discussions about a new European security arrangement. This was how Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braže assessed Moscow's initiatives that emerged during diplomatic contacts with European representatives. According to the LETA agency, Braže stated that Russia's demands to start negotiations on the "architecture of European security" are aimed at distracting attention from what the minister called genocide in Ukraine. In her opinion, before discussing broader security issues on the continent, it is necessary to focus on ending the Russian war against Ukraine and achieving a ceasefire. ### What Latvia Will Not Discuss with Russia Braže emphasized that Latvia’s NATO membership, the presence of allied troops, and guarantees of collective defense cannot be subjects of negotiations with Moscow. "We will not allow the weakening of Latvia's security, restrictions on allied forces, or the division of Europe into different security zones," the minister stated. This also concerns Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which provides for the principle of collective defense. It is based on the obligations of allies to protect each other in the event of armed attack. According to Braže, no NATO country intends to agree to change its status in the alliance under pressure from Russia. For Latvia, this means that issues regarding the deployment of allied forces and the country's participation in the collective defense system should not be resolved within the framework of agreements with Moscow. ### Why Braže Opposes a New Security Order The minister reminded that the existing European security system is based on the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for state borders, the prohibition of the use of force, and the right of countries to self-defense. In her assessment, Russia seeks to restore spheres of influence in Europe, gain control over neighboring states, and weaken NATO's unity. "Russia is waging an imperialist, colonial war against Ukraine, trying to control and destabilize neighboring countries, restore spheres of influence in Europe, split NATO, and weaken the unity of allies," Braže stated. She emphasized that no state has the right to determine the foreign policy course, sovereign status, or place in the North Atlantic Alliance for European countries. ### What Latvia Intends to Do Next According to the Foreign Minister, Latvia will continue to strengthen its own defense capabilities, develop deterrence potential, and seek to expand the presence of allies in the Baltic region. At the same time, Riga intends to maintain support for Ukraine, including its right to self-defense. Braže's statement came against the backdrop of reports about negotiations in Abu Dhabi, where Russian representatives discussed ideas for a so-called new order of European security with European diplomats. The position of the Latvian Foreign Ministry is that ending the war in Ukraine must remain a priority, and security guarantees for NATO countries cannot become subjects of concessions to Russia.
