Speaking at the Kyiv Security Forum, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, emphasised the European Union’s unity and determination to continue its long-term support for Ukraine, as well as the need to invest in defence. The Minister highlighted strategically significant decisions adopted by the EU this week – a EUR 90 billion loan program for Ukraine and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. The Minister also emphasised Ukraine's progress towards EU membership and the need to continue reforms.
On 24 April 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, participated remotely in a discussion at the Kyiv Security Forum, where international policy and security experts analysed the development of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its impact on European and global security. The discussion focused in particular on ensuring long-term support for Ukraine, strengthening public resilience, and maintaining political will in the context of a prolonged war.
The Minister emphasised that Ukraine's ability to continue the fight depends directly on predictable and long-term military, economic, and humanitarian support. Latvia continues to contribute significantly, allocating at least 0.25% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to military aid for Ukraine, as well as supporting reconstruction and international initiatives.
At the same time, the European Union reached agreement this week on two strategically important decisions: approving a EUR 90 billion loan program for Ukraine and adopting the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.
“The decisions adopted this week regarding financial support for Ukraine and the strengthening of sanctions against Russia clearly demonstrate that Europe is prepared to continue supporting Ukraine in the long term and to increase pressure on the aggressor state,” Foreign Minister Baiba Braže emphasised.
The loan is intended to meet Ukraine’s urgent budgetary and defence needs, while the sanctions package significantly expands restrictions on Russia’s financial, energy, and trade sectors, thereby intensifying pressure on the aggressor state’s war economy.
Latvia emphasises that, alongside international support, Ukraine’s consistent efforts towards European Union membership are of crucial importance. It is essential to continue implementing reforms, particularly in the areas of the rule of law, the fight against corruption, and strengthening institutional capacity, including through the implementation of the 10-point reform plan. This will align the country's regulations with EU standards and allow accession negotiations to advance, gradually strengthening Ukraine's integration into the EU.
Regarding the security situation in the region, the Minister pointed out that Russia is concentrating its resources on the war in Ukraine and lacks the capacity to launch military operations against NATO countries; however, an intensification of Russia’s hybrid activities against European countries is still to be expected, including disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, sabotage attempts, and others. Hybrid warfare spans across the whole of Europe, and Russia will continue attempts to influence both democratic processes and critical infrastructure.
In addition, interconnections between global conflicts were analysed. Russia’s war in Ukraine is closely linked to developments in other regions, including the Middle East, and is influenced by the involvement of third countries. These factors reinforce the need to strengthen NATO’s collective defence capabilities and to adapt to the evolving security environment.
Joining Baiba Braže in the panel discussion were Admiral Rob Bauer, former Chairman of the NATO Military Committee; Taavi Rõivas, former Prime Minister of Estonia; Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, former Chief of the UK Defence Staff; and Irene Fellin, NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security.
