"The Republic of Latvia strongly condemns the elections of the so-called legislative authorities of Crimea and Sevastopol conducted by the Russian Federation on 8 September 2019," said a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"The Republic of Latvia supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and has been consistent in non-recognition of the illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol carried out by the Russian Federation.
"We again underline the need for the international community to invest its maximum efforts toward safeguarding the provisions of international law and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states," the Ministry said.
Crimea was invaded by Russian forces in 2014 and has been occupied ever since. The statement from the ministry came after Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs had already made his position clear a day earlier.
#Latvia does not recognise local elections held today in #Crimea and #Sevastopol illegally occupied and annexed by #Russia, I reaffirm our continuous support to #Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity #crimeaisukraine #sevastopolisukraine @VPrystaiko @MFA_Ukraine
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) September 8, 2019
Similar sentiments were expressed by the Foreign Ministers of Baltic neighbors Estonia and Lithuania.
#Estonia does not recognise today’s elections held in #Crimea and #Sevastopol, illegally annexed by Russia. I reaffirm our strong support for #Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. ?? @MFA_Ukraine @VPrystaiko
— Urmas Reinsalu (@UrmasReinsalu) September 8, 2019
#Lithuania does not recognize today‘s ‘elections’ in Crimea & Sevastopol illegally annexed by #Russia. We reaffirm unwavering support to #Ukraine’s sovereignty & territorial integrity, condemn Russia’s occupation of Crimea & continuous breach of international law. @VPrystaiko
— Linas Linkevicius (@LinkeviciusL) September 8, 2019
Latvia made a similar pronouncement following recent elections in the Georgian province of Abkhazia, as reported by LSM.
Meanwhile on 9 September 2019, fourteen soldiers injured during the conflict in Ukraine are starting on an 18-day-long course of treatment at the “Vaivari” National Rehabilitation Center, where they will receive rehabilitation services and psychological assistance.
In response to a request from the Ukraine concerning the rehabilitation of persons affected by the military conflict, the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers approved on 11 June 2019 the allocation of 45,000 euros from the State Budget Programme “Emergency Funds” towards rehabilitation in Latvia of those who have been injured in the conflict in Ukraine.
The provision of medical assistance in Latvia to persons who have sustained injuries during hostilities in the east of Ukraine began in 2014. More than 42 residents of Ukraine have received assistance in Latvia until now.
