Russia Exhibits No Signs of Pursuing Peacefulness, According to Braze's Assessment
Informal Take:
Hey there! Let's talk about the recent huddle between Baiba Braze, Latvia's Foreign Minister, and some local business bigwigs. The chat was all about cooperation and coordination between ministries and interest groups, focusing on the ongoing reconstruction projects in Ukraine.
Baiba was straight to the point – she made it crystal clear that Russia's recent missile and drone attack on Ukrainian civilians is a stark reminder that the Kremlin's objectives haven't changed. In her book, there's no sign whatsoever that Russia is hankering for peace. She's adamant that Russia can only be pushed around if we use force.
She also threw her support behind Ukraine, advocating for continued military, financial, political, and humanitarian assistance. She thinks it'd be smart to find legal means to divert the funds frozen from Russia's Central Bank to help Ukraine instead. In her opinion, it's high time that Russia foots the bill for the damage they've caused to Ukraine and its people.
Baiba couldn't stop praising the hard work done by the Entrepreneurs for Peace Foundation and the Tavi Draugi Association in Ukraine's reconstruction. She appreciates their commitment to continue the good fight, considering the reconstruction is happening in the midst of war, under harsh conditions.
During the meeting, they discussed some hefty proposals for future collaboration, like encouraging Latvian entrepreneurs to dive headfirst into Ukrainian reconstruction projects.
Now, when it comes to specifics about Ukraine's reconstruction, here are a few key points:
- Energy infrastructure: Focus on implementing decentralized, modern systems, including renewables, aided by the EU’s energy security package for market integration by 2027.
- Housing: Over 87,000 families have received housing repair payments, with an additional 3,500 families projected to benefit from a Council of Europe Development Bank program.
- Critical infrastructure: Schools, hospitals, water systems are given top priority, with funds being allocated for projects like social infrastructure with a recent €350 million tranche.
- Private sector support: Poland launched a loan program for businesses investing in Ukraine’s reconstruction worth 250 million złoty (€58.25 million).
- Humanitarian demining: Critical to ensure safe rebuilding.
The total estimated cost of Ukraine's reconstruction over the next decade is a whopping $524 billion, according to the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA4). They've got a funding deficit of $10 billion, even though $7.4 billion has been pledged for priority projects. Ukraine aims to integrate its electricity market with the EU by 2027 and speed up gas sector reforms.
While Latvia's specific role in these plans isn't defined here, it looks like EU member states like Poland and broader donor platforms are beefing up their financial and technical support for these priorities. It seems Latvia might be following suit. For a clear understanding of Latvia’s role, it'd be wise to consult with relevant Latvian government sources.
- Baiba Braze, in her discussion with local business leaders, highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine due to the persistent war-and-conflicts and touched upon the need for cooperation and coordination in supporting reconstruction projects, particularly focusing on energy infrastructure, housing, critical infrastructure, and private sector involvement.
- During the meeting, Baiba Braze underscored the vital significance of humanitarian demining and total reconstruction costs, estimated at $524 billion over the next decade according to the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA4), as key areas of concern for businesses to address in Ukraine.
- As Latvia's Foreign Minister, Baiba Braze voiced her support for continued political, financial, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, suggesting legal means to direct funds frozen from Russia's Central Bank towards supporting Ukraine.
- The discussion between Baiba Braze and business leaders also included proposals for future collaboration, such as encouraging Latvian entrepreneurs to participate in Ukrainian reconstruction projects, especially focusing on decentralized, modern energy infrastructure solutions and the implementation of the EU’s energy security package for market integration by 2027.
