Ivars Lasis

Under-Secretary of State - Political Director of MFA 🇱🇻

[EU Armenia @EU_Armenia]

Today, 🇱🇻 and🇪🇺 worked together to bring 10,000 🇦🇲 flowers to the 🇱🇻 market. This is real, practical support for 🇦🇲’s floriculture sector during a challenging time.🇪🇺is also preparing over €50 million in immediate support for 🇦🇲’s trade and export sectors. The 🇪🇺stands with🇦🇲

[Edite Medne @LVAmb_Georgia]

Latvia 🇱🇻supports 🇦🇲Armenia! The first direct cargo of the beautiful Armenian roses has arrived from Yerevan to Riga with airBaltic! Armenian people are free to choose their friends and reliable partners!

[Latvian MFA 🇱🇻 | #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 @Latvian_MFA]

Russian tourists enjoying leisure in EU 🇪🇺 while missiles and drones continue to strike civilians in Ukraine 🇺🇦 is wrong.

#StandWithUkraine 🇱🇻🇺🇦

[Amb. Māris Riekstiņš @Riekstins__M]

NATO valstu atbalsts Ukrainai - gan militārais, gan finansiālais, gan politiskais - tās cīņā pret Krievijas tiks turpināts. Tāds bija vienots viedoklis 32 NATO dalībvalstu vēstniekiem vakar viesojoties neatkarīgās Ukrainas galvaspilsētā Kijivā.

[Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 @andrii_sybiha]

Putin tried to intimidate foreign diplomats and drive them out of Kyiv. But he failed. Instead, the entire NATO North Atlantic Council visited Kyiv today — 32 senior diplomats representing every NATO Ally, led by our true friend, @SecGenNATO Mark Rutte.

It was a busy but truly fruitful day. President @ZelenskyyUa and Secretary General Rutte co-chaired a NATO-Ukraine Council meeting and held in-depth bilateral talks.

I had an honor of hosting a separate meeting with our NATO allies at Saint Sophia of Kyiv. This cathedral is more than 1,000 years old. It symbolizes the continuity of our statehood and our history that Russia tries to steal but will not succeed.

Naturally, every meeting today focused first and foremost on finding solutions to protect life from Russian ballistic terror. Tactically, this means securing additional Patriot systems and PAC-3 interceptor missiles. At present, this is the only system in the world capable of reliably countering this threat.

Strategically, we are working on a European anti-ballistic protection. Ukraine is ready to contribute, but we need a joint effort to speed up results. For Europe, this is a matter of strategic security.

Russian ballistic terror can and must be stopped. It is our shared responsibility.

Together with our allies, we also discussed further PURL contributions — European funding to purchase American weapons for Ukraine, enabling us to continue holding the line.

Ukraine-NATO relations are gaining new momentum as we move toward the NATO Summit in Ankara this July. Ukraine will be there. Today, I also presented our NATO allies with several concrete proposals that could become practical outcomes of the Ankara Summit.

[Gandalv @Microinteracti1]

The Northern flank is getting its diplomatic ducks in a row.

On June 1-2, Baltic, Nordic, and U.S. officials gathered in Tallinn and Narva under the E-PINE (Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe) format to coordinate positions ahead of the NATO leaders’ summit in Ankara this July. The meeting covered Ukraine, deterrence, and defense industry cooperation, but the subtext was clear: the northern flank wants to arrive in Ankara as a coherent bloc, not a collection of individual wish lists.

Participants underscored the need to intensify joint action on societal resilience as hybrid threats intensify, border security challenges mount, and Russia’s shadow fleet continues to threaten stability in the Baltic Sea region. 

Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braže has been among the most vocal going into the summit, pressing allies to close the gap between rhetoric and spending. Latvia is already near 4% of GDP on defense and has set a target of 5% – a benchmark that makes most NATO members look underfunded by comparison.

The Ankara summit, scheduled for July 7-8 at Turkey’s Presidential Complex, will be the alliance’s 36th leaders’ meeting and Turkey’s first since the 2004 Istanbul summit. Ankara has signaled it wants the gathering to reaffirm unity. Whether that unity survives contact with the spending debate is the real question.

The E-PINE consultations are part of a broader pattern of pre-summit coordination along NATO’s northeastern edge. On June 9, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal will host the full NB8 prime ministers’ summit in Tallinn, with security, defense industry, Ukraine support, and AI on the agenda.  Estonia holds the NB8 chair this year and is using the position to maximum effect.

The message from the Baltic-Nordic corridor is consistent: more spending, stronger deterrence, and no backsliding on Ukraine. The question is how much of that agenda survives the broader alliance politics that will dominate Ankara.

If you like what you read, follow Gandalv on X: @Microinteracti1

[Latvian MFA 🇱🇻 | #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 @Latvian_MFA]

Latvia strongly condemns Iran’s reckless attack on Kuwait International Airport’s passenger terminal. It is a dangerous and unacceptable escalation.

We stand in full solidarity with Kuwait, Bahrain, and all our regional Allies.

Targeting civil infrastructure and injuring innocent civilians is a flagrant violation of international law.

These attacks must stop immediately. Return to negotiation table to ease tensions is urgently needed.

[Latvia Mission to the UN | #StandWithUkraine🇺🇦 @LatviaUN_NY]

🗳️ Trešdien (3.06.26) notiks ANO Drošības padomes vēlēšanas - 🇺🇳Ģenerālā asambleja ievēlēs 5️⃣ valstis, kuras darbu ANO DP sāks 01.01.2027.

🕙 Vēlēšanas notiks pl. 10:00 🗽🇺🇸 / 17:00 🇱🇻 laika.
📲TIEŠRAIDE https://t.co/wfxFWi24cZ

🔹 Pirms gada (3.06.25) ar plašu @UN valstu atbalstu Latviju pirmo reizi vēsturē ievēlēja ANO DP.

🔹 Ņujorkā 🗽 bazētais think-tank “Security Council Report” @SCRtweets jūnija izdevuma vāku veltījis šim mirklim – 🇱🇻 ārlietu ministre @Braze_Baiba & 🇱🇻vēstniece ANO @sanitadeslandes tieši pēc ievēlēšanas.

Šogad uz vietu ANO DP:
🔹 bez konkurences Latīņamerikas & Karību valstu grupā pretendē Trinidada & Tobago 🇹🇹
🔹 bez konkurences Āfrikas reģiona valstu grupā pretendē Zimbabve 🇿🇼
🔹 Rietumeiropas valstu grupā uz 2️⃣ vakantajām vietām kandidē 3️⃣ valstis - Vācija 🇩🇪, Austrija 🇦🇹 & Portugāle 🇵🇹
🔹 Āzijas & Klusā okeāna salu valstu grupā uz 1️⃣ vietu pretendē 2️⃣ valstis - Filipīnas 🇵🇭 & Kirgizstāna 🇰🇬

Ievēlēšanai ANO DP nepieciešamas 2/3 balsojošo valstu balsu.

2027. gadā strādāsim kopā ar 5️⃣ jaunievēlētajām valstīm.

[Martin Roger @martinrogerEE]

Nordic-Baltic and U.S. senior diplomats regularly meet in the E-PINE (Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe) format to discuss key foreign and security policy issues.

That is exactly what we did over the past two days in two vibrant Estonian cities: Tallinn and Narva.

[Latvia Mission to the UN | #StandWithUkraine🇺🇦 @LatviaUN_NY]

“Today’s meeting once again demonstrates that Ukraine’s security is inseparable from the security of the wider European continent. Russia’s escalatory rhetoric & actions only reinforce our resolve to support Ukraine & its right to sovereignty, territorial integrity & political independence. Ukraine is defending its right to exist, in line with the #UNCharter.”

[Andris Kulbergs (AS) 🇺🇦🇱🇻 @AndrisKulbergs]

Šodien gara diena, bet ļoti simboliska un nozīmīga diena, jo man bija tas gods uzņemt @Brivibas36 pirmo ārvalstu viesi tieši Ukrainas premjeri @Svyrydenko_Y. Mums no pirmās minūtes izveidojās ļoti patīkama un super konstruktīva saruna par 🇱🇻 un 🇺🇦 sadarbības aizsardzības drone alliance līgumu, kas dos būtisku grūdienu mūsu gaisa telpas drošības uzlabošanā un militārās industrijas kopražošanas uzsākšanā. Rīt dodamies uz @Latvenergo, kur mēs kopā ar @ViktorsValainis gatavojam dāvināt TEC koģenerācijas iekārtu 120MW elektrības un 260MW siltuma jaudu, lai 🇺🇦 paspētu uzstādīt un nodrošināt Harkivas pilsētas iedzīvotājus ar siltumu uz gaidāmo apkures sezonu.
Paldies visai komandai par darbu, @Braze_Baiba par 🇺🇦 virzību uz 🇪🇺 un labi sagatavoto vizīti, AizM Melnim par drone alliance līguma virzību un visaptverošo aizsardzības plānu ar 🇺🇦, @EdvardsSmiltens par darbu pie risinājuma izstrādes 30 000 🇺🇦 bēgļu statusa pagarināšanu 🇱🇻 pēc 2027.g. februāra. Viss protokola un ārlietu dienests pelnījis uzslavas par labi organizēto vizīti. Rīt viss turpinās

Turpināšu jums ziņot no MP puses par notiekošo

[Edgars Rinkēvičs @edgarsrinkevics]

Warm welcome to Riga Castle Prime Minister @Svyrydenko_Y. We discussed cooperation in the field of defense, energy and civil protection. I reiterated Latvia’s full support for speedy beginning of EU-Ukraine accession talks 🇱🇻 🇺🇦

[Latvia Mission to the UN | #StandWithUkraine🇺🇦 @LatviaUN_NY]

Today, the #UNSC meets at Romania’s 🇷🇴 request following the latest dangerous escalation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has crossed borders, violated European airspace, & resulted in injuries to civilians in a neighbouring country.

‼️ Russia bears full responsibility for the risks, consequences, & human suffering caused by its illegal war of aggression, including when its actions extend beyond Ukraine’s borders.

Russia’s escalatory rhetoric & actions only strengthen our resolve to continue supporting Ukraine. 🇺🇦 It is vital to increase pressure on Russia & those enabling its war of aggression. The path to peace begins with an immediate, full, & unconditional ceasefire.

⚫️ Russia, a permanent member of the @UN Security Council, continues to pose a grave threat to international peace and security, persistently undermining the sovereignty, territorial integrity, & security of neighbouring states.

🪦 The era of empires, colonies, & spheres of influence is over.

Full 🇱🇻 statement: https://t.co/NRIJsXeoJn

[Latvia Mission to the UN | #StandWithUkraine🇺🇦 @LatviaUN_NY]

🇱🇻 Latvia joined a #UNSC stakeout with 🇺🇳 55 governments representing the 🇪🇺 European Union & #NATO Allies & partners, & partner nations worldwide, condemning the reckless Russian drone incident on 29 May that injured civilians and damaged civilian infrastructure in Galați, Romania. This is a direct consequence of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

🇱🇻🇷🇴 Latvia stands in full solidarity with our EU & NATO Ally, Romania.

[Baiba Braže @Braze_Baiba]

Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is visiting Latvia- a symbolic first incoming visit for the new Latvian government.🇱🇻🇺🇦

Latvia’s support for Ukraine is comprehensive -military, civilian, political, and ironclad. 🇺🇦-🇪🇺 accession talks should be opened in nearest future.

[Latvia Mission to the UN | #StandWithUkraine🇺🇦 @LatviaUN_NY]

‼️Russian armed and security forces have been listed by the @UN as perpetrators of conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine. ‼️

⚖️ This marks an important step toward justice and accountability. The report documents 310 verified cases and highlights Russia's use of sexual violence to punish, humiliate, and coerce 🇺🇦prisoners of war and civilian detainees.

🩸 The findings also expose a broader global crisis: nearly 10 000 cases of conflict-related sexual violence were verified by the UN in 2025 across 21 conflict-affected countries. Sexual violence continues to be used as a tactic of war, torture, terrorism, and political repression.

The report underscores the urgent need for accountability, independent monitoring, and stronger international action to prevent and respond to these crimes.

Full 🇺🇳 report: https://t.co/SwpAo64WXR
@Latvian_MFA @LV_Ukraine @UKRinLatvia @UKRinUN

[U.S. Ambassador to NATO @USAmbNATO]

The #NATOSummit starts on July 7 in Ankara. Next month’s pivotal meeting will serve as a progress report on the 5% defense commitment. Under POTUS's leadership, Allies are moving beyond commitments and returning NATO to its warfighting roots.

[Aizsardzības ministrija @AizsardzibasMin]

Baltijas valstis atrodas uz pirmās aizsardzības līnijas, tāpēc ASV militārajai klātbūtnei reģionā ir jābūt pastāvīgai, lai Krievija zinātu – jebkurš konflikts ar Latviju nozīmē konfliktu ar ASV. Tā intervijā portālam @sargs_lv uzsver ASV Kongresa pārstāvis Dons Beikons

Viņš augsti vērtē Latvijas progresu kopš neatkarības atgūšanas, tās līderību Dronu koalīcijā un vērienīgos aizsardzības izdevumus, kas kalpo par piemēru arī pašām ASV.

➡️Plašāk: https://t.co/6xGtPjp5IS

📷 Ilmārs Znotiņš, Valsts prezidenta kanceleja

[Rep. Don Bacon 🇺🇸✈️🏍️⭐️🎖️ @RepDonBacon]

I thank the Latvian Prime Minister, Evika Silina, for inviting us and for the tremendous care and hospitality that Latvia extends to our deployed troops. Latvia is a great ally.

[Latvian MFA 🇱🇻 | #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 @Latvian_MFA]

Parliamentary Secretary @UrsulskisA at the ministerial meeting of the Council of the Baltic Sea States: Russia’s aggressive rhetoric calls for mutual unity, resolve and cooperation in the face of its threats.

🔗 Read more: https://t.co/28V7kxix5N

📸 Flickr album: https://t.co/V83I26BYHc