UNITED NATIONS – Latvia is preparing to take swift action when it begins its first term on the U.N. Security Council in January 2026.
Out of 188 participating nations, 178 voted in favor of the Eastern European country.
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, present at the U.N. vote in New York City, stated that Latvia is prepared to address the ongoing conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, as well as Israel and Hamas. As it prepares for its council term, Latvia is focused on achieving peace for all parties involved in both conflicts.
“We will utilize our position on the U.N. Security Council to help achieve a just and lasting peace, address the situation in the Middle East and other conflict zones, bolster global security, uphold the international rules-based order in accordance with the U.N. Charter, and enhance the effectiveness of the U.N. Security Council,” Braže said in her address to the U.N. last week.
Regarding Israel and Hamas, Braže stressed the importance of delivering aid to the people of Gaza but clarified that Latvia doesn’t have a specific stance on the delivery method, despite international criticism of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Braže suggested that the most efficient solution to the aid issue in Gaza should be prioritized and expressed confidence that both sides can collaborate on this. Her primary focus was ensuring aid reaches vulnerable individuals in Gaza.
The war in Ukraine has particular significance for Braže, as Latvia, like Ukraine, was formerly part of the Soviet Union and gained independence in 1991 after its dissolution. She stated that Russian President is employing “traditional Russian-Soviet tactics,” such as delaying negotiations, but believes there are ways to exert pressure on the Kremlin to pursue peace.
Braže also affirmed that Latvia “fully supports” President ‘s concept of achieving peace through strength to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
“Currently, there is no indication that Russia genuinely desires peace. Its actions are deceptive, making unrealistic demands of the U.S., Ukraine, and others, and then blaming Ukraine for not accepting these impossible conditions,” she said.
Braže stated that limiting Russia’s income and access to technology will be essential for securing a stable and lasting peace. This would also require addressing potentially problematic partnerships, such as the one between China and Russia.
“It is crucial to ensure that oil prices remain low and that Russia’s oil and gas exports are restricted,” she said.
The foreign minister accused of being the “main enabler” of Russia through its exports to the country. She explained that Russia is able to repurpose components from these exports for its missile program.
Beyond international responses to Russia, Braže emphasized that strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities is a vital step toward ending the war. She pointed out that Ukraine is acting in accordance with Article 51 of the U.N. Charter and described Ukraine as the “strongest deterrent of Russia’s aggression.”
“Therefore, military aid, humanitarian aid, political support, moral support – all are necessary. This strength will pave the way for peace,” she said.
When asked about the definition of victory for Ukraine and the requirements for long-lasting security, Braže deferred to Kyiv’s judgment.
“Ukraine will determine its own definitions of peace and victory. We believe that Ukraine’s sovereignty, its ability to control its territory, and its refusal to accept the occupied territories as Russian—because that violates international law—are all essential elements for both peace and for Ukraine to consider that it has not lost the war.”
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