Baiba Braže, Latvia’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs and former NATO Assistant Secretary General, has made Ukraine her priority for her first bilateral visit.
In an interview, she openly acknowledged Ukraine’s receipt of Western weapons with permission to strike Russia, emphasizing the legitimacy of such strikes.
Braže stressed the need for political unity within Ukraine and continued international support, stating that weapons alone are not sufficient for victory.
Baiba Braže (Credits: Lennart Meri Conference – International Centre for Defence and Security)
She cited Margaret MacMillan’s insights on wars, noting that prolonged conflicts require different tactics and resilience. Braže highlighted the importance of Latvian support for Ukraine, emphasizing that the country is not alone in its fight and that victory extends beyond military efforts.
Regarding Russia’s intentions, Braže stated firmly that Russia must be pushed out of Ukraine and that discussions about potential attacks on NATO countries are hypothetical. She emphasized NATO’s adaptation to Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics and the importance of awareness and preparedness.
Baiba Braže (Credits: Santa.lv)
Concerning future support for Ukraine, Braže outlined Latvia’s commitment to allocating 0.25% of its GDP annually to Ukrainian defense. She emphasized the dynamic alignment of support based on Ukraine’s evolving needs, including investments in drone capabilities and other defense equipment.
Braže concluded by expressing Latvia’s unwavering support for Ukraine across various sectors, including rehabilitation, humanitarian aid, and infrastructure development. She affirmed that the entire country stands in solidarity with Ukraine, providing genuine and comprehensive support.
