Latvian president names two conditions to send peacekeepers to Ukraine
Photo: President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs (Getty Images)
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs stated that he is open to discussing a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. But he has two conditions before deciding on the potential deployment of troops, according to LSM.
"We are now ready to discuss any proposal, but with conditions before making a decision," Rinkēvičs said regarding Latvia's position on the matter.
Latvia's security and NATO guarantees
According to the president, it is necessary to understand how Latvia's security and defense capabilities will be strengthened if troops are sent to Ukraine.
The president also emphasized the need to know the conditions under which the troops would be stationed in Ukraine.
"If there are no guarantees under Article 5 (NATO) or something equivalent, it will put our soldiers at risk. Even if someone attacks Ukrainian soldiers, we will have to come to their aid, but we may not receive sufficient support - these are the issues for discussion," Rinkēvičs explained.
'Theoretical situation'
At the same time, the president noted that he feels that "we are now in some kind of theoretical situation."
"If we even reach a discussion about peace being concluded, then these issues will become relevant… These two conditions I mentioned are necessary for this matter to be resolved at all," Rinkēvičs emphasized.
If a peace agreement to end the full-scale war in Ukraine involves the deployment of international forces, the decision on Latvia's peacekeeping participation will be made by the National Security Council and the Cabinet of Ministers. The final decision will rest with the Saeima (the parliament), the president concluded.
Peacekeeping mission in Ukraine
Dutch Parliament adopts resolution on possible peacekeeper deployment in Ukraine. The Netherlands may send peacekeeping forces if a peace agreement is reached.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that he is "ready and willing" to send British troops to Ukraine in case of a peace deal to ensure compliance with a peace agreement if necessary.
Sweden has also not ruled out the possibility of sending peacekeeping forces to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Czechia is currently unwilling to discuss deploying peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, and Slovakia is completely against sending its soldiers to maintain peace.
