Ukrainian President Zelensky secures agreement from Latvian counterpart on weapons purchasing alliance for Ukraine
In a telephone conversation on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the diplomatic situation with his Latvian counterpart, Edgars Rinkevics. During the conversation, President Zelensky briefed President Rinkevics on the negotiations with allies and outlined the steps he believes are necessary in the future.
President Zelensky expressed his belief that Ukraine has done everything necessary for EU accession and suggested opening the first chapters of accession negotiations at the same time as Moldova. He also received support from President Rinkevics for Ukraine's quick accession to the European Union (EU).
Regarding NATO, President Zelensky reaffirmed Latvia's support for Ukraine's membership in the alliance. The conversation focused on a new NATO initiative regarding the purchase of arms from the US, with Latvia ready to join this initiative.
The arms procurement initiative is part of the broader effort to support Ukraine’s defense capability amid Russia’s invasion. The United States and some NATO partners have discussed security guarantees that could function similarly to Article Five protections but without full NATO membership initially. Russian opposition to NATO troops on Ukrainian soil complicates negotiations; alternatives to full NATO deployment are being explored.
Ukraine's NATO accession path is seen as crucial for alliance credibility but remains fraught with geopolitical challenges. The EU accession talks progress but are conditional on reforms and the conflict’s evolution. New arms procurement initiatives bolster Ukraine’s military strength within a security partnership framework short of full NATO membership.
President Zelensky and President Rinkevics agreed to coordinate their efforts in these matters. Both leaders emphasised the need for a stable peace and a guaranteed future with the support of the US and the unity of Europe.
Sources: [1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-wants-start-eu-accession-talks-moldova-2021-06-22/ [2] https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-calls-for-eu-accession-talks-with-moldova/a-58055854 [3] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/22/ukraine-presses-eu-to-start-accession-talks-with-moldova [4] https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-army-us-weapons-russia-invasion/
- During the conversation, the topic of war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation was addressed as both leaders emphasized the need for a stable peace and a guaranteed future for Ukraine.
- The discussion on politics also included the general news about NATO and EU accession, with President Zelensky advocating for Ukraine's quick accession to the European Union and expressing the need for new arms procurement initiatives to bolster Ukraine’s military strength within a security partnership framework, short of full NATO membership.
