Latvian Prime Minister: Russia Lacks Leverage to Dictate Security Terms to Europe

DUBLIN: Russia is “not in a position” to demand new security arrangements from Europe, Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs told AFP on Friday, following Moscow’s call for Europe’s broader security framework to be incorporated into Ukraine negotiations.

The United States, under President Donald Trump’s administration, has proposed incorporating discussions on broader European security arrangements into efforts aimed at halting Russia’s war.

Russia, meanwhile, appears to be reviving hard‑line demands to roll back NATO, which has drawn strong pushback from European leaders meeting in Dublin, including Prime Minister Kulbergs.

“Europe is the dominant military power, with a far larger economy and leadership presence. Consequently, I do not believe it is in a position to impose demands,” he told AFP after the EU leaders’ meeting in Dublin.

“We must recognize each other’s size and capabilities,” he added.

Europe has been seeking a greater role in President Trump’s efforts to end the fighting in Ukraine, and US envoys reported on Thursday that President Vladimir Putin has given his blessing for European participation in the talks.

Leaders agreed on Friday that Europe would be represented by Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the EU’s institutions, a decision which Kulbergs described as “a good decision.”

With the representation decision finalized, a senior EU official stated that Europe can now concentrate on the substance of negotiations with Russia.

Nevertheless, Kulbergs expressed doubt that President Putin sought genuine peace in Ukraine, following two days of US‑mediated talks in Abu Dhabi.

The talks concluded with Russia and Ukraine agreeing to their largest‑ever prisoner exchange, which Kulbergs described as a “good sign” but “insufficient.”

“If Putin wants genuine peace, a ceasefire is necessary,” he said, urging the United States to increase pressure on Russia to bring about an end to the war.

“The United States possesses considerable leverage and could push Russia toward genuine peace negotiations,” the Latvian leader said. This could involve additional sanctions and the provision of real weapons to Ukraine.

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