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On 18 February 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, had a meeting with Deputy Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada), Olena Kondratiuk, who is visiting Latvia. The talks centred on Latvia’s ongoing and future support for Ukraine’s self-defence, efforts to address the energy crisis and assist civilians, Ukraine’s path towards European integration, and further measures to contain Russia, including sanctions and action against the shadow fleet.
The officials discussed the next steps in relation to the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and a compensation mechanism to ensure Russia is held accountable.
O. Kondratiuk stressed that this is the most severe winter in a decade and that the situation is critical, especially for the most vulnerable groups in society – seniors and families with young children. Due to Russia’s barbaric attacks on the energy system, roughly half of those living in Kyiv and elsewhere in Ukraine are left without electricity and heating.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže:
“From the start of the war, Latvia has allocated approximately EUR 1 billion in support to Ukraine, with an additional EUR 1 million donated by Latvian people. We remain among Ukraine’s strongest supporters.
I repeatedly appeal to all allies to ensure the highest level of military, political, financial, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Together, we must ensure that Ukraine withstands the winter, defends the front line, and negotiates from a strong position.”
B. Braže also pointed out that this week the Government of Latvia decided to allocate EUR 10 million to support Ukraine’s NATO PURL (Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List) initiative, addressing Ukraine’s most urgent military needs. In total, Latvia has so far contributed EUR 17.2 million to the initiative.