Latvia’s prime minister, Krisjanis Karins, arrived in Kyiv amid discussions that underscored Riga’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine. The trip served as a visible signal that Latvia will stand beside its neighbor for the long haul, reinforcing the message that Ukraine’s success feeds the stability and freedom of Europe as a whole. Karins used the moment to emphasize that Kyiv’s eventual triumph is not merely a national achievement but a cornerstone for a free European order, a sentiment he conveyed to observers and the media during a series of meetings and public remarks. The visit was framed as part of a broader, ongoing effort to coordinate political and practical support for Ukraine, including humanitarian corridors, security assurances, and efforts within international forums to sustain Kyiv’s resilience in the face of aggression .
During his stay in the capital, Karins reiterated a clear stance: NATO membership for Ukraine is not something that can be guaranteed while hostilities persist within Ukrainian territory. This position aligns with Latvia’s longstanding view on the alliance’s security architecture, highlighting the complexity of integrating a country at war into a defensive bloc. In a formal letter shared with allies and public audiences, Karins reiterated that any path toward Kyiv’s security guarantees would require a credible cessation of hostilities and a stable security framework before full NATO membership could be realistically contemplated. The message was careful in tone but firm in its assessment of the conditions that would accompany such a strategic decision .
Karins’s remarks also touched on the practical steps the country envisions as Ukraine pursues long-term security guarantees. The emphasis was on coordination with allied partners to ensure Kyiv can deter aggression, safeguard its sovereignty, and integrate reforms that strengthen resilience across political, military, and economic domains. The broader takeaway from the visit was a reinforced narrative: Latvia views Ukraine’s future membership in Western institutions not as a reward or concession, but as a consequence of Kyiv meeting a set of clear, accountable criteria tied to reform, governance, and the ability to contribute to shared security. This framing reflects a common theme among European partners who advocate for a disciplined, merit-based approach to alliance integration .
Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, offered his perspective on the potential evolution of Ukraine’s relationships with European and transatlantic institutions. He stressed that any discussion of future EU and NATO memberships must be grounded in principle and fairness, not treated as charity or ransom. The Ukrainian position, as conveyed through the foreign ministry’s press service, is that membership would be earned through demonstrated reforms, robust governance, and the sustained ability to contribute to collective security. This stance is intended to reassure Kyiv’s partners that the process remains principled and rigorous, safeguarding the integrity of European and transatlantic commitments while supporting Ukraine’s rights to pursue alignment with institutions that reflect its aspirations and strategic interests .