Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže issued a stark warning this week, asserting that Vladimir Putin could exploit peace negotiations to weaken the United States and reassert control over Ukraine. Her remarks follow controversial U.S.-Russia talks excluding Ukrainian representatives, sparking renewed concerns about Moscow's geopolitical ambitions.
Speaking to The Associated Press during high-stakes diplomatic meetings, Braže highlighted Russia's failure to achieve critical war objectives despite three years of conflict.
Putin hasn't weakened NATO or removed Kyiv's government,she stressed. Now he'll pursue these goals through negotiation tactics.
The Baltic diplomat revealed alarming patterns in Russian strategy:
- Territorial control attempts in Syria through military bases
- Persistent efforts to influence foreign governments' political decisions
- Systematic erosion of international alliances
With Latvia committing to 4% GDP defense spending in 2025 - doubling NATO's minimum - Braže emphasized military preparedness. We're investing in early warning systems and rapid response capabilities,she stated, referencing coordinated security plans with Estonia and Lithuania.
Key peace negotiation demands include:
Complete Russian troop withdrawal from Ukrainian territory and verifiable security guarantees enforced through multinational cooperation. Braže cautioned against rushed ceasefires during her UN Security Council address:
Only Ukraine's victory prevents future Russian aggression. Temporary pauses invite renewed warfare.
European leaders continue coordinating with U.S. officials despite initial exclusion from Saudi-mediated talks. France's Macron and Britain's Starmer recently visited Washington to reinforce transatlantic commitments, while Baltic states prioritize:
- Advanced air defense networks
- Cybersecurity infrastructure upgrades
- Joint NATO military exercises
As discussions evolve, Braže insists any peace process must center Ukrainian needs: We require clear military verification - troop positions, withdrawal distances, monitoring mechanisms.With Latvia's defense budget climbing toward 5% GDP, the nation exemplifies NATO's intensified response to Russian expansionism.