At the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Latvia emphasises the need to continue increasing pressure on Russia and calls for an agreement on a strong 21st package of sanctions as soon as possible

On 13 July 2026 in Brussels, Belgium, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Artjoms Uršuļskis, emphasised at the meeting of the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council that Latvia’s position remains unchanged as it continues to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine and a policy of pressure against Russia, restricting its economy and continuing its international isolation. He welcomed the additional thematic sanctions approved today against individuals involved in human rights violations in Russia, Russia’s hybrid activities in Europe, and the cyberattacks it has carried out.

“Russia’s ongoing and repeated attacks continue to destroy Ukraine’s civilian and energy infrastructure; therefore, it is essential to take timely action to support the resilience of Ukraine’s energy sector as it prepares for the coming winter. Accordingly, military assistance, particularly in air defence, remains a top priority,” Artjoms Uršuļskis noted, adding that Latvia has decided to allocate additional EUR 7 million to the NATO PURL initiative for the procurement of critically important defence equipment and is also prepared to strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience through other channels of support. 

Latvia’s support for Ukraine’s energy sector in 2025–2026 amounts to several million euros. Meanwhile, Latvia’s total support for Ukraine – from both the state and the public – during the period from 24 February 2022 to 26 May 2026 amounted to at least EUR 1.13 billion, or 0.6% of GDP (2022–2026). 

In the discussion on further pressure against and containment of Russia, Artjoms Uršuļskis stressed: “Russia’s aggression can only be stopped by increasing pressure on it even further, so we must agree on a strong 21st package of sanctions as soon as possible," and urged the Member States to completely withdraw their investments from Russia and sever economic ties with it. He also noted that it is important to continue strengthening sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet and its ecosystem. 

Artjoms Uršuļskis expressed concern over the International Olympic Committee’s recent decision to allow Russia to participate in international qualifying competitions leading up to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and stressed that Russia’s participation in international sports and cultural events is unacceptable as long as it continues its aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s international isolation must be continuously strengthened. 

Discussing the situation in the Middle East and developments in Iran, Artjoms Uršuļskis expressed Latvia’s condemnation of Iran’s resumed attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and in the countries of the Persian Gulf. The Parliamentary Secretary emphasised that Latvia is ready to contribute to initiatives aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. 

During the meeting, the Third EU–Gulf Cooperation Council High-Level Forum took place, where ministers discussed strengthening cooperation between the EU and the Gulf states, the regional situation, and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. A meeting of the Palestine Donor Group also took place following the session. 

In discussions on the EU's strategic approach to the Black Sea region, EU foreign ministers reviewed the progress of the strategy’s implementation and considered proposals for future work. Romania and Bulgaria provided an update on the process of establishing the Black Sea Maritime Security Centre.   

Foreign ministers also discussed EU-UN relations in preparation for the UN General Assembly High-Level Week, which will take place from 22 to 28 September 2026, as well as EU cooperation with global partners. 

Prior to the meeting, EU foreign ministers held an informal exchange of views with leading representatives of Ukrainian non-governmental organisations and Ukrainian human rights activists Oleksandra Matvichuk, a lawyer and civil society leader, and Maksym Butkevych, a journalist and military officer, regarding the dire humanitarian situation in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory and human rights violations against detained Ukrainian civilians. A joint statement by the EU and Ukraine was adopted regarding detained civilians and the humanitarian consequences of Russia’s war of aggression.

Artjoms Uršuļskis strongly condemned Russia’s atrocities and crimes in Ukraine and insisted that the perpetrators must be held accountable. He noted that Latvia is committed to providing support in documenting these crimes, which will serve as the basis for holding Russia accountable. Latvia will also continue to provide psychological support and rehabilitation to the victims. 

In preparation for the UN General Assembly, the Council’s conclusions on the EU's priorities were approved. 

At the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, a decision was adopted to officially launch the EU Partnership Mission in Armenia, which will provide support to Armenian state institutions in combating hybrid threats, including cyberattacks, illicit financial flows and foreign-driven information manipulation and interference. 

Ministers also agreed on support measures to strengthen Moldova’s air defence capabilities through the European Peace Facility.