Latvia will continue to maintain sanctions pressure against Russia

As informed in the Saeima Speaker’s office, during the meeting, Mieriņa confirmed Latvia’s support for the start of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union (EU) during the Belgian EU presidency.

In order to promote Ukraine’s successful integration into the European Union, the Saeima, in cooperation with the Ukrainian administration, will create a program of experience transfer and training, which is planned to start already this summer, emphasized the Speaker of the Parliament.

Mieriņa assured the Prime Minister of Ukraine that Latvia has decided to ban grain imports from aggressor countries and will continue to maintain the pressure of sanctions against Russia.

The Speaker of the Saeima stated that ways to help Ukraine are still being sought. Mieriņa noted that currently it will be possible to transfer 1.5 million euros from the property tax of persons subject to sanctions to Ukraine and its civilians. At the same time, additional mechanisms for supporting Ukraine are being considered.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine, thanking for the support, emphasized that the two countries should work closely together to protect them.

Šmihals emphasized that Latvia serves as an example for other countries, especially highlighting the drone coalition led by Latvia, and also added that the drones produced in Latvia have already been tested at the front, they are very effective.

According to Shmyhal, military support will continue to be very important for Ukraine, and the soldiers on the front line especially emphasize the need for more weapons.

When discussing the transport infrastructure, Shmihals emphasized Ukraine’s desire to participate in the high-speed railway project “Rail Baltica” in order to ensure wider connectivity.

The Saeima Secretary Edvards Smiltēns (AS) and the member of the Saeima Secretary Jānis Grasbergs (NA) also participated in the conversation with the Prime Minister of Ukraine.

TVNET already announced that the Prime Minister of Ukraine Deniss Shmihals will arrive in Latvia today on an official visit.

In Latvia, Šmihalis is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Evikas Siliņa (JV), President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Speaker of the Saeima Mierina, as well as a visit to the Museum of Occupation.