Statement of the Republic of Latvia at the OSCE Permanent Council No.1473, 16 May 2024

Statement under the Current issue

“On the Russian Federation's malign activities and interference in the OSCE region”

Delivered by Permanent Representative of  the Republic of Latvia

Ambassador Katrina Kaktina

Permanent Council No.1473,

16 May 2024

Madam Chairperson,

Latvia fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and please allow me to add some remarks in my national capacity.

Madam Chairperson,

We condemn Russian government’s use of hybrid activities, incl. cyberattacks, disinformation and propaganda against EU and OSCE members and any country.

And we stand in solidarity with Germany following the malicious cyber campaign against a political party, and with Czechia following the malicious cyber activities against its institutions.

We recognize that Germany and Czechia have attributed the responsibility of the malicious cyber activities in their respective countries to the threat actor APT28 sponsored by the Russian Federation, specifically the Russian General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU).

We also note with concern that the same threat actor targeted other national governmental entities, critical infrastructure operators and other entities in Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Sweden.

We are also deeply concerned about malign activities earlier this month affecting Czechia, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and the United Kingdom. These incidents are part of an intensifying campaign of activities which Russia continues to carry out across the Euro-Atlantic area, including through proxies. This includes sabotage, acts of violence, cyber and electronic interference, disinformation campaigns, and other hybrid operations.

We strongly condemn malicious cyber activities intended to undermine the democratic institutions, national security and free society.

We also promote a free, open, peaceful and secure cyberspace. We call on Russia to respect their international obligations and commitments to uphold international law and act within the framework for responsible state behavior in cyberspace as affirmed by all members of the United Nations.

And be assured - these hybrid activities will not weaken our support for Ukraine.

Latvia will continue support independent media, defend online freedom and efforts to strengthen resilience, including in Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson.