On 29 and 30 August 2025, in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Baiba Braže, and the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Artjoms Uršuļskis, took part in an informal meeting of the European Union (EU) foreign affairs ministers in the Gymnich format. The topics discussed were Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the use of immobilised assets of the Central Bank of Russia in support of Ukraine, and the situation in the Middle East.
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Foreign affairs ministers discussed the ways to increase further pressure on Russia, especially countering its shadow fleet. Baiba Braže underlined: “There are currently no indications whatsoever that Putin wants peace or would be prepared for ceasefire. The latest massive attacks by the barbaric Russian regime on Ukrainian cities on August 28, killing innocent civilians, including children, causing damage to residential buildings, schools and offices, also the premises of the EU Delegation, clearly demonstrate that Russia’s understanding of how to achieve a ceasefire and lasting peace is to choose terror over negotiations.”
“Transatlantic unity and cooperation have a crucial role to play in achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and stopping Russia. The policy of pressure against Russia must be intensified and Ukraine must be provided with the necessary security guarantees,” the Minister said, stressing that involvement by the U.S. in guaranteeing security is also highly important. It is equally vital not to delay the opening of the first cluster of the EU’s talks with Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, addressed the participants in a video format and emphasized that Ukraine is experiencing relentless attacks, Putin has no plans to stop, and any hope that he will cease the war should be abandoned. Andrii Sybiha called for providing Ukraine with the necessary security guarantees and help to strengthen the Ukrainian army. Minister Sybiha also emphasized that membership in the EU would be the best security guarantee for Ukraine.
In parallel with the peace process, several measures are currently being taken to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities. One of them is the NATO Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List, or PURL. Baiba Braže informed those present that Latvia will also contribute to this NATO initiative, and she emphasized: “This year, Latvia will channel almost 0.3% of its gross domestic product into military support for Ukraine.”
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the EU and its Member States have provided support to Ukraine worth EUR 158.6 billion, at least EUR 59.6 billion of which has been military assistance. Latvia’s support includes the delivery of 42 Patria 6x6 armoured personnel carriers and other military equipment to the Ukrainian armed forces, training of Ukrainian soldiers, as well as support in the Information Technology, Demining Capability, Maritime Capability, and Electronic Warfare coalitions. The development of Ukraine’s military industry, especially for the manufacturing of drones, is also being promoted. Latvia is investing in Ukraine’s military drone industry and financing (at EUR 20 million) the Drone Coalition established in 2024 and co-led by Latvia and the United Kingdom. The coalition is comprised of 20 countries.
EU foreign ministers also discussed the imposition of new sanctions against Russia. Proposals for the 19th package of sanctions are currently being prepared. The main focus remains on restrictive measures that would minimize Russia’s revenues, with a particular focus on trade in energy resources (gas and oil), through sanctioning additional shadow fleet vessels and military industrial capabilities, and denying access to Western technologies. In total, the EU has imposed sanctions on 447 shadow fleet ships. Baiba Braže pointed out that the new round should focus on strong sectoral restrictive measures against Russia, especially in its energy and financial sectors (including cryptocurrency), those being the sectors that generate the most revenue for Russia, thereby enabling its war of aggression against Ukraine. Further restrictions on the import of Russian and Belarusian fertilizers, especially potassium chloride fertilizers from Russia, should be included, as well as pressure should be increased on the Russian shadow fleet and its ecosystem, so that the reduction in the oil price cap achieved so far is not circumvented as new Russian shadow tankers head out to sea. In addition to sanctions, it is important to increase tariffs on Russian and Belarusian exports. “Cooperation with the U.S. on secondary sanctions should also be continued,” the Minister said.
Use of the immobilised assets of the Central Bank of Russia in support of Ukraine. EU foreign affairs ministers held a substantial exchange of views on the use of frozen assets of the Central Bank of Russia in support of Ukraine, as the EU and G7 member states are currently discussing a legal solution to the wider use of frozen funds for the needs of Ukraine. In total, approximately EUR 260 billion of assets deposited by the Central Bank of Russia have been immobilised in the EU, G7 and Australia. Of those, approximately EUR 210 billion have been identified in the European Union. No frozen assets of the Central Bank of Russia have been identified in the jurisdiction of Latvia; however, more than EUR 272 million of Russian private funds have been immobilised here. Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economic and Productivity, also participated in the discussion.
The situation in the Middle East. Foreign ministers then exchanged views on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the issue of Iran. The discussion was attended by the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Artjoms Uršulskis, who underlined: “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is extremely alarming; therefore, it is vital to take action immediately – to resume ceasefire, provide large-scale humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian population and release all hostages. Hamas must immediately lay down its arms and relinquish power in Gaza.”
In line with the common EU position, Latvia supports a peaceful, negotiated two-state solution consistent with international law and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735 (2024) in particular. The resolution calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and a negotiated settlement to the conflict.
At their meeting on 29 August, the EU foreign affairs ministers were joined by the leader of the democratic forces of Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, with her spouse, Siarhei Tsikhanouski. Foreign Minister Baiba Braže noted: “The release of Siarhei and some other political prisoners is a welcome step. Two Latvian citizens were also released in June. However, repression continues. Further pressure must be exerted on the Belarusian regime to release all political prisoners and shift its course.”
The informal meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers was also attended by the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, Norway and Iceland, as well as the Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET).
While in Copenhagen, Baiba Braže met with the Danish Minister for Resilience and Preparedness, Torsten Schack Pedersen, for a discussion on the protection of critical infrastructure and deterrence of Russia’s non-conventional attacks. The Minister also had a meeting with the head of the Niels Bohr Institute, Prof. Joachim Mathiesen: they discussed the development of Latvia’s quantum sector and international partnerships available to scientists.
