On 4–5 August 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, visited Odesa and Kyiv during a working visit to Ukraine. During the visit, the Minister met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sibyha; and other top officials of the government, as well as participated in Ukraine’s Annual Ambassadors’ Conference.
The visit took place as Russia carried out large-scale strikes on Ukrainian cities, including Odesa and Kyiv. At least 22 people were killed in ballistic missile and drone attacks over the course of two days, and residential buildings, transportation and logistics infrastructure were damaged.
During the visit, the Minister emphasised that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has consequences far beyond Europe’s borders. By withdrawing from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Russia has significantly reduced Ukraine’s supply of agricultural products to the global market and posed a serious threat to global food security. Although Ukraine has had a bountiful harvest this year, Russia is blocking export routes through the Black Sea, which is having a particularly severe impact on countries in Africa and Asia.
“This is an attack on the countries of Africa and Asia and on the global food supply system,” stated Baiba Braže.
During the meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the parties discussed support for Ukraine’s defence, the progress of the peace process, the situation on the front lines and Ukraine's future priorities. Baiba Braže reaffirmed Latvia’s strong and unwavering support for Ukraine’s efforts to achieve a just and sustainable peace. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Latvia for its consistent and comprehensive support in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Speaking at the Ukraine’s Annual Ambassadors’ Conference, Baiba Braže reaffirmed Latvia’s firm and consistent support for Ukraine, highlighting the close cooperation between the two countries in the areas of security, defence and international diplomacy.
“Within the European Union and NATO, Ukraine has no closer ally and friend than Latvia,” the Minister emphasised at the meeting.
At the same time, Baiba Braže noted that Ukraine is not only a recipient of support but also a pillar of security for the entire Euro-Atlantic community.
“With its combat experience, innovations and technologies, Ukraine strengthens the security of NATO and the entire Euro-Atlantic area,” the Minister stated.
Baiba Braže reaffirmed Latvia’s support for Ukraine’s integration into the European Union and for the opening of all remaining negotiation chapters as soon as possible, while urging Ukraine to continue its intensive and effective reform efforts.
In Kyiv, Baiba Braže met with Oleksandr Pavenko, Latvia’s Honorary Consul in Sloviansk, and thanked him for his work, courage and unbreakable spirit. The meeting took place after the building of the Latvian Honorary Consulate in Sloviansk was destroyed in a Russian airstrike on 24 July.
“Russia may destroy the building, but it will never destroy the determination of the Ukrainian people or weaken Latvia’s support for Ukraine,” the Minister emphasised.
In Odesa, the Minister met with the leadership of the regional and military administration and with representatives of the Ukrainian Navy. The talks addressed the current situation in the context of Russian aggression and security challenges in the Black Sea.
Baiba Braže highlighted the significance of the bilateral defence cooperation agreement between Latvia and Ukraine signed in June. This will strengthen Latvia’s defence capabilities and facilitate the transfer of expertise from Ukrainian specialists in airspace security and anti-drone defence. Latvia will continue to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine, including by allocating at least 0.25% of GDP to military aid in 2026.
“This is not only an investment in the defence of Ukraine and all of Europe, but also in Latvia’s economy and the development of innovation. Export licence data shows that Ukraine regularly purchases technologies and solutions offered by Latvian companies,” the Minister said.
While visiting critical infrastructure and energy facilities in Odesa, the Minister highlighted Latvia’s practical assistance in strengthening Ukraine’s energy sector ahead of the upcoming winter. Latvia is supplying transformers, fuel and cogeneration equipment, and is preparing to donate equipment from the TEC-2 power plant.
To honour the Ukrainian defenders who fell in the fight for their country’s freedom and independence, Baiba Braže laid flowers at a memorial site in Odesa.
