Trump is well aware that NATO isn't a financial burden, affirms Latvian Foreign Minister.
At a High-Stakes Summit in the Netherlands, Trump and Latvia's Foreign Minister Agree on NATO
In a surprising change of tone, President Trump declared at a NATO Summit press conference that the alliance isn't a rip-off, breaking from his prior criticism of the organization. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braz̆e, shares Trump's sentiments, assuring reporters that NATO isn't a giant cash grab—it's a safety blanket against Russian aggression.
In an interview with NPR's Morning Edition, Braz zá contradicted the notion that Latvia, being right in Russian crosshairs, is more vulnerable than other countries. She asserted that every nation is at risk of Russian sub-conventional attacks, including cyberattacks, sabotage, and assassinations. She recalled the Skripal attack in the UK—a prime example of Moscow's clever manipulations.
When asked about Trump's strategy toward NATO, Russia, and Ukraine throughout the year, Braz zá remained supportive of the President's efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine. She stressed that Ukraine yearns for peace more than anyone and that Russia's aggression is unwarranted and senseless, requiring an immediate halt. However, she also pointed out that there's no indication that Russia is ready to lay down its weapons.
Braz zá voiced that the key to achieving peace lies in pushing Russia towards negotiations. She believes President Trump is making a valiant effort in this regard. She expressed that observing Russia from various perspectives—military, political, economic, religious, and private sector—shows no signs of a shift towards a peace-loving mentality. Instead, Russia seems to be gearing up for war.
According to Braz zá, the three lines of effort required to address this situation are: a) fortifying ourselves domestically and collectively through NATO, b) weakening Russia economically by targeting its energy industries, technology, and trade partners, and c) supporting Ukraine's self-defense. Braz zá commended Ukraine's resilience in the face of open aggression from a nuclear superpower. Despite the ongoing conflict for more than three years, and over a million Russian casualties with no primary territorial gains, Ukraine remains steadfast as a democracy boasting a formidable armed force.
In an unexpected turn, Braz zá deemed that the situation is actually in favor of Ukraine. With a population of 40 million standing strong against 140 million Russians, Ukraine has not only managed to maintain its democracy but has also bolstered its military capabilities, armament, and technology, making drone attacks a reality.
- The pressing issue of war-and-conflicts, particularly with regards to Ukraine, necessitates a strong policy-and-legislation from NATO and its allies, as dialogue with Russia seems to be leading nowhere, according to Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Brazže.
- The political landscape is significant in this context, with the United States, under President Trump, taking steps to fortify NATO and adopt a firm stance against Russian aggression, paralleling the general-news of technological advancements in Ukraine's military capabilities, such as the implementation of drone attacks.
