During the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 27 January 2025, ministers agreed to extend the EU sectoral sanctions against Russia, which are renewed every six months. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže noted that the Council also decided to impose EU sanctions on three Russian military intelligence service officers for a cyberattack against Estonia. The attackers were identified last year with assistance from Latvia and allied nations, including Germany, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.
The Latvian FM emphasised that the sanctions are effective and Russia’s economy resembles a crumbling house of cards.
“Russia is desperate. It can no longer deceive its people and businesses about how bad Russia’s economic situation really is. We must sustain maximum pressure on Russia through robust sanctions. It must also be achieved that EU companies leave the Russian market and no longer channel their funds into its economy.”
Minister Braže expressed Latvia’s full support to Poland for prioritising security during its EU Council Presidency.
“Russia’s threats to the Euro-Atlantic space are serious, and they will persist,” she underlined. “We must continue to invest more in security and defence and do it faster since Russia presents a long-term threat to all of Europe and NATO. I fully agree with the new US administration: a weak Russia is the best security guarantee for the whole Euro-Atlantic space, world peace and stability, and a lasting and just peace,” she added.
Minister Braže informed the EU foreign ministers about the damage caused to the data cable between Latvia and Sweden and expressed gratitude to the Latvian Radio and Television Centre (LVRTC), the Latvian Naval Forces, Sweden, Estonia, and other partners for their swift response and cooperation. Latvia is actively collaborating with countries in the Baltic Sea region and NATO.
Additionally, the minister discussed ongoing exchanges with the new US administration before the inauguration and through a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 24 January. Officials agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as defence and security, energy, modern technologies, support for Ukraine, and effectively constraining Russia.
All participants unanimously agreed on the need for strong military and financial support for Ukraine. Braže highlighted that Latvia will assist Ukraine this year, amounting to 1% of its GDP, with 0.25% directed toward military support. Latvia will also continue to support Ukrainians residing in the country and work on implementing new sanctions effectively.
The Member States also agreed on a robust 16th package of sanctions, including diminishing Russia’s military capabilities by maintaining pressure on its energy sector, trading in dual-use goods, financial sectors, propaganda efforts, and further sanctioning “shadow fleet” vessels. Braže stated that Latvia will continue collaborating with third countries to prevent their assistance to Russia in circumventing these sanctions.
