Latvian Political Monitor

From@Braze_Baiba

❗️On the extension of EU sanctions and Latvia's position: 🔹EU sanctions must be strengthened, 🔹national sanctions have been adopted, 🔹reproaches must be addressed to those countries that wanted to remove 2 Russian oligarchs from sanctions, not to Latvia, which was the last of all EU countries to prevent that. https://t.co/nxliy4ZmvM

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From@AndrisKulbergs

Latvia agrees to a compromise, but does not change its principled position. We objected to the last minute against the removal of Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the EU sanctions list. Latvia was the only EU country that fought for this until the very end of the negotiations. It was a morally correct position, and our friends in Ukraine saw and appreciated it. However, the government had to make a responsible decision. The choice was not between a good and a bad solution. The choice was between changing the status of two individuals and the risk of losing the entire sanctions regime applying to more than 2,600 Russian war supporters, individuals and companies. Therefore, Latvia's representative will abstain in the vote. This will allow the sanctions to be extended not for the usual six months, but for 36 months. For the next three years, it will be much harder for the Kremlin and its allies to try to split Europe and trade over the future of sanctions every six months. At the same time, Latvia does not step back: 🔒 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked with immediately preparing the legal basis for imposing national sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman; 💶 we will use all legal instruments to prevent the release of their funds and economic resources in Latvia; 🛡️ in talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, we reached an agreement to start negotiations on Latvia's involvement in the French nuclear deterrence initiative; ✈️ France is ready to strengthen its military presence in Latvia, especially in the area of air defense; 🇺🇦 I personally informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian Prime Minister about Latvia's decision. Ukraine understands our position and supports the need to maintain a unified European sanctions regime. Latvia will not allow the sanctions regime against thousands of Russian war supporters to collapse because of two individuals. We maintained our political position, safeguarded the continuation of sanctions and at the same time achieved a significant strengthening of Latvia's security. As long as Russia continues the war, Latvia will continue to stand on Ukraine's side. Firmly and without retreat.

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From@ltvzinas

Because of Latvia's objections, the European Union sanctions against Russia and Belarus have still not been extended, as Latvia opposes the demand by France and Slovakia to remove two Russian oligarchs from the sanctions list. Neither Latvia nor France is backing down from their demands. Meanwhile, Ukraine has reacted sharply to the possible lifting of sanctions against two oligarchs and thanked Latvia for its steadfastness and refusal to agree to such action. https://t.co/UZWVSOA09y

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From@AndrisKulbergs

🇱🇻 Today Latvia did not support the draft decision prepared by the Irish presidency. The situation is not simple. Extending sanctions requires the consent of all 27 EU member states. If no agreement is reached by the deadline, the retention of sanctions for the entire list is endangered, not just for Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. Extending sanctions for 36 months would be the right step. However, the price for that must not be the simple removal of both individuals from the sanctions list. Latvia cannot accept such an offer. 🇪🇺 Therefore, tomorrow together with Foreign Minister @Braze_Baiba we will work with Brussels and Paris to find a solution that MATCHES Latvia's interests. We will seek support for Latvia's position WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION. I have convened an extraordinary Cabinet meeting for tomorrow on this matter. 🇺🇦 While Russia continues the war, European pressure must become stronger, not more comfortable for the Kremlin.

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From@AndrisKulbergs

🇱🇻 Today Latvia did not support the draft decision prepared by the Irish presidency. The situation is not simple. Extending sanctions requires the consent of all 27 EU member states. If no agreement is reached by the deadline, the retention of sanctions for the entire list is endangered, not just for Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. Extending sanctions for 36 months would be the right step. However, the price for that must not be the simple removal of both individuals from the sanctions list. Latvia cannot accept such an offer. 🇪🇺 Therefore, tomorrow together with Foreign Minister @Braze_Baiba we will work with Brussels and Paris to find a solution that MATCHES Latvia's interests. We will seek support for Latvia's position WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION. I have convened an extraordinary Cabinet meeting for tomorrow on this matter. 🇺🇦 While Russia continues the war, European pressure must become stronger, not more comfortable for the Kremlin.

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From@AndrisKulbergs

🇱🇻 Today Latvia did not support the draft decision prepared by the Irish presidency. The situation is not simple. Extending sanctions requires the consent of all 27 EU member states. If no agreement is reached by the deadline, the retention of sanctions for the entire list is endangered, not just for Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. Extending sanctions for 36 months would be the right step. However, the price for that must not be the simple removal of both individuals from the sanctions list. Latvia cannot accept such an offer. 🇪🇺 Therefore, tomorrow together with Foreign Minister @Braze_Baiba we will work with Brussels and Paris to find a solution that MATCHES Latvia's interests. We will seek support for Latvia's position WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION. I have convened an extraordinary Cabinet meeting for tomorrow on this matter. 🇺🇦 While Russia continues the war, European pressure must become stronger, not more comfortable for the Kremlin.

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