On Friday, Latvia summoned the Russian Embassy’s interim chargé d’affaires and handed over a note of protest, expressing its strongest condemnation of Russia for the brutal attack on the city of Sloviansk and the destruction of the Latvian honorary consulate building.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that Latvia strongly condemns Russia’s barbaric attacks against Ukraine, which result in civilian deaths and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. She adds that Latvia will continue to firmly support Ukraine.
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže announced on the social network “X” that she had informed the ministers of the European Union (EU) and NATO member states, as well as international organizations, about the incident.
B. Braže emphasized that Russia can destroy buildings, but it cannot break Ukraine’s will or Latvia’s support.
President Edgars Rinkēvičs emphasized on social networks that the destruction of the Latvian honorary consulate office in Sloviansk is another war crime committed by Russia.
„Latvia supports Ukraine. We will continue to support the work of our honorary consul Oleksandr Pavenko and all those who remain on the front lines, helping their people,“ the president noted.
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As Tomas Sadovskis, advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, told LETA, on Friday at 10:40 AM, during a Russian attack, the building of the Latvian honorary consulate in Sloviansk, Donetsk region, was hit. Information provided by Ukrainian authorities indicates that a Russian KAB-250 aerial bomb hit the consulate.
Latvian honorary consul O. Pavenko was not harmed in the attack, but two consulate employees were injured. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in constant contact with the honorary consul and relevant Ukrainian institutions to clarify all circumstances of the incident, provide support to the victims, and obtain the latest information.
According to B. Braže, Latvia demands continued pressure on Russia, including by tightening sanctions. Latvia also believes that Ukraine’s defense capabilities must be strengthened by providing military aid and air defense systems.
B. Braže emphasizes that Russia will be held accountable for this and other violations of international law, and that all war crimes committed by Russia must be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.
The Minister expressed her conviction that Russia’s terror will not break Latvia’s resolve to continue supporting Ukraine and its people, and thanked O. Pavenko for his work in Latvia’s interests and for his support to Latvian citizens.
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