On Tuesday, 12 August, ahead of the planned peace talks in Alaska, the Speakers of Parliament of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania – Daiga Mieriņa, Lauri Hussar and Saulius Skvernelis – issued a joint declaration stating: “We reaffirm our steadfast and unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s illegal war of aggression.”
The speakers of the Baltic parliaments appreciate the efforts by the United States of America to help bring this war to a close and secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, as well as stability for Europe. Any agreement reached at the talks in Alaska this week or thereafter must unequivocally uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitution and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
It is crucial that Russia does not benefit from its brutal and illegal war of aggression through territorial gains. As the aggressor, Russia must not be appeased, as doing so would only embolden further acts of aggression. The use of force to alter international borders is unacceptable and against international law, the declaration states.
The speakers call for a diplomatic solution to ensure the essential security interests of both Ukraine and Europe. Decisions concerning Ukraine must involve Ukrainians themselves, and matters affecting Europe must involve us Europeans. Negotiations can only be held in context of a ceasefire.
Furthermore, the speakers firmly believe that only a strategy combining determined diplomacy, unwavering support for Ukraine and sustained pressure on the Russian Federation to end its illegal war can bring success. Therefore, it is vital for our countries - and the democratic world at large - to continue providing political, economic, military, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, while maintaining and strengthening sanctions against the Russian Federation.
The Speakers of Parliament of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania emphasise that Ukrainians deserve a just and lasting peace based on the international law and respect for their territorial integrity and constitutionally defined borders. We remain resolute in standing alongside Ukraine, a free sovereign country with full right to decide its own future.
Saeima Press Service