B. Braže on a visit to the United States: a strong mutual interest in deepening cooperation in security and economic matters and enhancing NATO’s defence capabilities

Deepening cooperation between Latvia and the United States in the fields of security, defence, and the economy, together with joint efforts to address shared security challenges, including the instrumentalisation of migration, risks to border and maritime security, the US military presence in the Baltic region, preparations for the NATO Summit in Ankara, US peace initiatives, the political and economic containment of Russia, comprehensive support for Ukraine, and regional security threats stemming from co-aggressor Belarus, were the main topics of the discussions held by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, with representatives of the US Administration and the US Congress in Washington from 24 to 26 February 2026.

B. Braže met with the US Under Secretary of Defence for Policy, Elbridge Colby, the US Special Envoy to Belarus, John P. Coale, senators representing both parties in the US Congress, and other officials. On 25 February, B. Braže attended US President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže:

“The United States is our strategic ally. I am grateful for the US military presence in Latvia and the Baltic Sea region. The US Under Secretary of Defence for Policy, Elbridge Colby, and I discussed practical steps to deepen cooperation between Latvia and the United States in the fields of security and defence. I shared information on the ongoing development of the Selonia military training ground.

Latvia received praise as an exemplary partner, demonstrating a responsible approach to its security and defence, having allocated 5% of GDP to this area already this year. This is an investment in the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic area. The United States highly values Latvia’s contribution to the protection of NATO’s eastern border, as well as the achieved energy independence from Russia.

We agree that it is important to demonstrate progress at the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara towards the 5% of GDP investment in defence agreed by the Allies last year. The Alliance must be strengthened, modernised, and made more capable of action, in line with the current geopolitical environment.”

B. Braže expressed gratitude to the United States for its work towards peace in Ukraine, highlighting that Russia has not succeeded in its strategic aims on the battlefield and is now pursuing them through so‑called peace talks. Russia constitutes a long-term threat to the entire Euro‑Atlantic area and must continue to be contained politically and economically, including through strong sanctions, particularly targeting its shadow fleet. The Minister stated that, to date, Latvia has contributed EUR 17.2 million to the NATO PURL[1] initiative for the procurement of urgently needed weapons from the United States in support of Ukraine’s armed forces.

B. Braže and the US Special Envoy to Belarus, John P. Coale, discussed the situation in Belarus, the challenges it poses to regional security, and the EU sanctions against the Belarusian regime, which were extended for a further year on 26 February. The Minister expressed her gratitude to the United States for its role in securing the release of political prisoners, including three Latvian citizens.

Members of the US Congress, Republican senators Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia and Thom Tillis from North Carolina, and Democratic senator Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire, were thanked for their steady and convincing support of both parties to the Baltic Security Initiative, which significantly reinforces Latvia’s defence capabilities.

The Minister also joined a roundtable discussion organised by the American-Central European Business Association (ACEBA) where US entrepreneurs were introduced to the investment environment in Latvia and discussed opportunities for cooperation in energy, the military industry, drone technology, artificial intelligence, 5G/6G and quantum technologies. Latvia supports the Pax Silica initiative to stabilise technology supply chains.

B. Braže participated in the US-European Forum of the international security think-tank GLOBSEC. The Minister discussed Latvia’s foreign policy priorities, NATO and European security, support for Ukraine, and Latvia’s agenda on the UN Security Council with students from Georgetown University. The Minister gave interviews to US media, including CBS News[2], AP[3], Newsmax, and others.

On 24 February, in New York, the Minister of Foreign Affairs delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly emergency special session on Ukraine, convened at the request of Ukraine and Latvia.[4] The resolution titled “Support for Lasting Peace in Ukraine” was adopted at the session, with 107 votes in favour, 12 against, and 51 abstentions. The Minister of Foreign Affairs also addressed the UN Security Council meeting with a statement on Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.[5] In her speeches, B. Braže outlined the global impact and consequences of Russia’s war, and drew attention to the war crimes it has committed.

From 24 to 26 February 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, was on a working visit to the United States, covering both New York and Washington.

[1] PURL – Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List

[2] The Takeout with Major Garrett: Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže says "Russia is not winning" war with Ukraine

[3] Latvia's Foreign Minister Baiba Braže in an interview with AP: After 4 years, no sign of peace in Russia’s war with Ukraine

[4] Statement by Latvia, United Nations General Assembly, 24 February 2026, New York

[5] Statement at the United Nations Security Council by H.E. Ms. Baiba Braže, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, 24 February 2026