Today at 10.40 a.m., the building of the Honorary Consulate of Latvia in Sloviansk, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, was destroyed in a Russian attack.
According to information provided by the Ukrainian authorities, the consulate was struck by a Russian KAB-250 guided aerial bomb.
Latvia's Honorary Consul, Oleksandr Pavenko, was not injured in the attack. Two members of the consulate's staff were wounded. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains in constant contact with the Honorary Consul and the relevant Ukrainian authorities to establish all the circumstances of the incident, provide assistance to those injured, and obtain the latest information.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, has informed the foreign ministers of the European Union and NATO member states, as well as international organisations, about the incident. Today, Latvia summoned the Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the Russian Federation and delivered a note of protest, expressing its strongest condemnation of Russia’s brutal attack on the city of Sloviansk and the destruction of the building of Latvia's Honorary Consulate.
Latvia strongly condemns Russia's barbaric attacks against Ukraine, which continue to claim civilian lives and destroy civilian infrastructure. Latvia will continue its unwavering support for Ukraine. Pressure on Russia must be maintained, including by strengthening sanctions, while Ukraine's defence capabilities must be further enhanced through the provision of military assistance and the air defence systems it needs.
Russia will be held accountable for this and other violations of international law. All war crimes committed by Russia must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible must be brought to justice.
Latvia's diplomats and honorary consuls in Ukraine will continue to carry out their duties. Russia's campaign of terror will not weaken Latvia's determination to continue supporting Ukraine and its people. The Minister of Foreign Affairs expresses her gratitude to Oleksandr Pavenko for his dedicated service to Latvia's interests and for his support to Latvian citizens.
