On Thursday, 16 April 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, met with Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Mariana Betsa, who is on a working visit to Latvia. The main topics discussed were cooperation during Latvia’s term on the UN Security Council (UNSC), bilateral relations, Latvia's support for Ukraine, and further efforts to contain Russia and isolate it in international organisations.
“Support for Ukraine remains our priority at both national and international levels. We continue to provide support and advocate for Ukraine at EU level – through the allocation of funding, sanctions against Russia, and progress in Ukraine’s European integration process. We also support Ukraine’s interests both at the UN and in other international organisations, as well as in bilateral relations. At the same time, we are working to prevent Russia’s election to the bodies of international organisations,” Baiba Braže emphasised during the meeting.
The Minister provided an update on Latvia’s work in the UN Security Council to date, including the convening of three UN Security Council emergency sessions on Ukraine, the convening of a UN General Assembly session, and future plans, including Latvia’s presidency this November.
The officials also discussed current developments at the UN regarding Ukraine and progress towards achieving a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. During the meeting, the need to maintain the “peace through strength” approach was emphasised, ensuring long-term military, political and economic support for Ukraine, as well as exerting maximum pressure on Russia, including through sanctions and by intensifying its international isolation.
Mariana Betsa expressed her gratitude to Latvia for its consistent work at the UN Security Council, highlighting Latvia’s strong and unwavering support for Ukraine and its active efforts to counter Russian disinformation. She noted that Russia continues to actively use international platforms to spread propaganda, which is why it is essential that partners continue to raise issues relating to war crimes committed by Russia against the Ukrainian people.
