23 September 2026

President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs addressed the Sixth Summit of the International Crimea Platform

“Friends of Ukraine, for 12 years, Crimea has carried the weight of Russia’s occupation. That same repression and violence has been unleashed across the whole Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainians continue to live under occupation. They face deportations, abductions, and systemic repression. Crimean Tatars continue to face persecution. Ukrainian children are taken from their homes and families.”

President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs stressed that Russia is seeking to erase Ukrainian identity, suppress fundamental freedoms and impose its will by force, describing these actions as an attempt to replace international law with brutal force and imperial spheres of influence.

Edgars Rinkēvičs also warned that Russia seeks to undermine the role of the United Nations and international monitoring through what he described as lies and total control.

Drawing on Latvia’s own history, Edgars Rinkēvičs said the country understands what it means when an imperial neighbor claims the right to determine the fate of other nations.

“That is why our message is clear: Your identity, your rights, and your future belong to you,” Edgars Rinkēvičs said.

Latvia reaffirmed its continued support for Ukraine and stressed that Ukraine must remain whole, sovereign and free.

“Crimea is Ukraine,” Rinkēvičs said.