“Support for Ukraine does not stop just on the theme of supporting Ukraine, it is also viewed from the perspective of not allowing a Putin regime that brutally violates international law to try to establish a new world order. If it goes unpunished, if it is accepted, it is a recipe for the Kremlin to do something similar in another direction, and for other authoritarian regimes to do similar activities in other regions of the world, too. That's what the West doesn't want to allow,“ Riekstiņš said.
He emphasized that the current strategic NATO documents identify two main threats to NATO members – Russia and international terrorism. “Leaders of NATO countries have given the task to both military planners and Member States to operate in order for NATO to be ready to defend the interests of its countries and people with the first moment,” Riekstiņš noted.
All countries are working to develop defense capabilities, the shortage of which is evident.
“Latvia also operates on procurements related to the strengthening of air defense capabilities, the purchase of anti-ship missiles, and other needs. Ukraine's war situation has shown that they play a very important role,“ said the ambassador.
From the point of view of Latvia's national interests, according to Riekstiņš, the most important NATO mission of the moment is collective defense.
“Someone can say it's an egotistical approach. But that's the approach this organization was founded with. Look after the territories and citizens of their countries first. It's fundamentally important to us. Latvia is working on developing its combat capabilities, and improving and expanding infrastructure. Everything is going in the right direction to make our society feel safe,“ the diplomat said.
