On 26 June 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, took part in the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union in Luxembourg. The Council discussed latest developments in Russia, the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the EU’s digital diplomacy, and the relations between the EU and the Latin American and the Caribbean countries.

In an exchange of views on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and on the events of recent days in Russia, Edgars Rinkēvičs noted that any developments related to Russia’s Wagner Group of mercenaries should remain in the focus of attention.

“Information about the leader of Wagner Group setting off for Belarus should be treated with particular care. If information on Yevgeny Prigozhin or Wagner fighters moving to Belarus is confirmed, it will pose a direct security challenge not only to Ukraine, but also to the EU Member States, including Latvia. In such a case, it will be vital to reinforce security in the EU border area,” the Foreign Minister underlined.

At the same time, Edgars Rinkēvičs noted that the current strategy should be continued, providing support to Ukraine and implementing the sanctions policy vis à vis Russia and Belarus in coordination with like-minded countries.

During the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, Minister Rinkēvičs also met with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. The officials discussed current topics on the EU agenda.

This event being the last EU Foreign Affairs Council in which Edgars Rinkēvičs participated as Foreign Minister, the Minister thanked the High Representative and his colleagues for successful cooperation.