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On 31 March 2026, an informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers took place in Kyiv, Ukraine, which was attended by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and senior state officials. EU Foreign Ministers participated in a commemoration event in Bucha, marking four years since Russia’s war crimes in the city, and issued a joint statement on the occasion of the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers.
“Bucha serves as a vivid demonstration of the scale of the atrocities committed by Russia against the people of Ukraine. There is no statute of limitations for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The establishment of a Special Tribunal will send a strong political signal to the aggressor, Russia – justice will always prevail, and impunity will not be tolerated,” noted Baiba Braže, emphasising that Latvia’s unwavering priority remains increased pressure on Russia and comprehensive support for Ukraine.
Since February 2022, Latvia’s total support for Ukraine has exceeded 1 billion euros, or 0.6% of GDP (2022–2025). More than half of this, 675 million euros, is military aid, while humanitarian aid and support to the Government of Ukraine amount to 92 million euros; support for Ukrainian civilians in Latvia amounts to 304 million euros; and support for reforms, development, and reconstruction amounts to 17 million euros. In February, the Government of Latvia decided to allocate an additional 10 million euros to NATO PURL initiative, and in March, 6.8 million euros to support Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The ministers discussed holding Russia accountable for crimes of aggression against Ukraine as an essential component of a just and lasting peace. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, also participated in the discussion.
During the meeting, Baiba Braže announced Latvia’s intention to become one of the founding members of the Management Committee of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. On 30 March 2026, Latvia informed the Council of Europe of its intention to join the founding states through the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the Management Committee of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. Likewise, as a member of the UN Security Council, Latvia will continue to urge all countries to apply maximum pressure on Russia to ensure accountability for war crimes. Latvia was also among the countries that signed the Convention on the Establishment of an International Claims Commission for Ukraine on 16 December 2025. It is now essential to ratify the Convention as soon as possible so that the Claims Commission can begin its work. Every effort must then be made to establish a fund from which compensation approved by the Claims Commission would be paid to the victims.
Discussing potential EU support for diplomatic peace efforts and the situation in Ukraine on the ground, including on the battlefield, as well as in the energy, infrastructure, and security sectors, the Minister noted that continued bilateral support is essential to meet Ukraine’s current and long-term financial needs. This year as well, Latvia will continue to allocate at least 0.25% of GDP to military aid for Ukraine. At the same time, efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s energy sector must begin now in preparation for next winter. It is important to maintain political unity and consistently advocate for strengthening of the sanctions regime and approving the 20th round of sanctions as soon as possible.
The Ministers also held discussions with the Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, Natalia Kalmykova, emphasising the need for a comprehensive EU approach to the social inclusion of Ukrainian war veterans and the utilisation of their skills in the defence and civilian sectors. Veterans and their families will have an important role in the country’s stability and recovery process, and the way the support system is designed will affect both the cohesion of Ukrainian society and European security as a whole. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Latvia has been implementing a state support programme for the treatment and medical rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers. Nearly 900 Ukrainian soldiers have received medical treatment and rehabilitation in Latvia. More information on Latvia’s support for Ukraine.
Baiba Braže also met with Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.