President of Latvia encourages to increase aid to Ukraine, primarily military aid

The President of Latvia, Egils Levits, said that Ukraine's victory is essential for the future of Europe and the world and advocates increasing aid to Ukraine, primarily military aid, and increasing international pressure on russia.

Levits said this at the second summit of the Crimea Platform, Ukrinform reports.

"This is a brutal war in which russia cannot win. It must end with the victory of Ukraine and the restoration of its territorial integrity. We stand by Ukraine. Latvia provides all the help possible. But we need to do more – militarily, financially, economically, and in the humanitarian sphere," Levits said.

He also noted that military aid is especially important in the current situation. He agreed with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's words at the Crimea Platform summit that Ukraine should be provided with "more weapons, more ammunition, and faster."

Latvia's leader emphasized that at the same time, the world community should increase international pressure on russia, for which it is necessary to cooperate with international partners worldwide.

"Sanctions should be strengthened. Travel of russians outside the territory of russia should be limited. Those who support aggression should not be able to go to European countries," the Latvian President said.

He said separately that any attempts by russia to integrate part of the Ukrainian territory forcefully could not be accepted, as the world respects Ukraine's sovereignty within internationally recognized borders.

According to Levits, during the war against Ukraine, the world saw how russia used its traditional mechanism of occupation.

"At first, the closure of legitimate institutions and organizations. Then a fake referendum. Next – mass repressions, deportation, and displacement of the population followed by further russification, supported by propaganda. It is nothing new for Latvia. After all, the experience of the Soviet occupation remained such fear for us for many years ", Levits said, recalling that the non-recognition of the occupation of the Baltic countries became a guarantee for the renewal of their independence.

At the same time, he believes that Crimea, whose occupation the world does not recognize, will soon be liberated.

At the end of his speech, the Latvian President emphasized that Ukraine's victory in this war is necessary not only for its future but also "for the future of Europe, international law and a peaceful world order, it will be a victory for freedom and democracy."