The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia does not recognise the annexation of the occupied territories of Ukraine and condemns the decision of the President of Russia to absorb those territories into Russia. Such a decision is in a blatant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and other provisions of international law.
The sham referendums held by Russia and their results are illegitimate. The referendums have been staged under the conditions of occupation and in the presence of the occupying forces, and they do not reflect the will of the Ukrainian people.
The illegitimate decision on annexation is being adopted at a time when Ukraine is launching successful counter-offensives on the frontline and liberating vast swathes of Ukrainian territory from Russian occupation. This decision has no effect on Ukraine’s lawful rights to liberate and defend its territory against the occupying forces of the aggressor state. The regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia, as well as the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol – they too are Ukraine.
The European Union and other like-minded partners will continue and increase pressure on the aggressor state, Russia, including by putting in place new sanctions.
We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We shall continue providing all possible support for Ukraine and its people in their fight for their freedom and independence.