"Ukraine can count on Latvia's unwavering support, including at the parliamentary level. We will continue to stand with Ukraine. The most important thing we can do now is to encourage your accession to both NATO and the European Union. We make all efforts to keep this issue high on the agenda because we consider Europe to be safer together with Ukraine," said Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima, during a meeting with Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, in Prague, the Czech capital, on Tuesday, 24 October.

The two Speakers agreed that Russia's military defeat in Ukraine would be a victory not only for Ukrainians, but for the whole world. On behalf of all Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked Latvia for the support and assistance provided so far. Latvia is a true friend of Ukraine, Stefanchuk stressed. The Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament noted that Ukraine's victory would continue to require the military support of friends and partners, an increase in the pressure of sanctions against Russia and assistance in rebuilding Ukraine's demolished infrastructure. The Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament also highlighted the country's path towards European integration, confirming that the Verkhovna Rada has done the necessary homework to enable Ukraine to start accession negotiations with the European Union as early as this year.

Speaker Mieriņa also discussed the issue of support for Ukraine with Bärbel Bas, President of the Bundestag of the Federal Republic of Germany. Both in Latvia and Germany, general public has expressed strong solidarity with Ukraine, and the two Speakers agreed that we must do our utmost to help Ukraine win. Both Speakers highlighted, among other things, the fight against Russian propaganda that seeks to divide allies and undermine support for Ukraine.

"It is important to remain united and to hold Russia accountable for its war crimes. Russia has in the past escaped punishment for its crimes, thus creating a sense of impunity. It would be extremely dangerous to allow Russia to escape punishment for its aggression and crimes in Ukraine," said Mieriņa.

The Saeima Speaker thanked Germany for its significant contribution to strengthening the security of our region and NATO. Bärbel Bas stressed that Latvia could count on Germany's support for the Baltic States, including in strengthening NATO's eastern flank.

Daiga Mieriņa is participating in the Second Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform hosted in Prague. The International Crimea Platform, established in 2021, is a government, parliament, and expert‑level coordination and consultation format. The purpose of the parliamentary dimension of the International Crimea Platform is to raise awareness among the world leaders and society at large about Russia’s illegal occupation in the territory of Crimea, its negative impact on the human rights of locals, security in the Black Sea Region, global food security, and the rules-based international order.

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Saeima Press Service