Mārtiņš K.

On March 31, 2022 Ukrainian forces liberated Bucha. The world was stunned by the brutality revealed in occupied territories. What was uncovered shocked humanity and exposed the true face of Russia’s war. Justice will be served. Punishment is inevitable.

Four years have passed since the liberation of Bucha. A moment that revealed to the world undeniable evidence of atrocities committed by the Russian armed forces. The unbearable evidence of Russia’s brutality against innocent people. Deliberate war crimes. 🕯 We commemorate the victims and stand with the people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom and justice. ❗Russia must be held accountable for the war crimes it has committed. #StandWithUkraine

Latvia 🇱🇻 marks 22 years in NATO. Latvia is a reliable Ally, investing 5% of GDP in defence. Strategic investments strengthen the National Armed Forces, enhance the security of Latvia’s and NATO’s external borders, and support the development of the domestic defence industry. Shoulder to shoulder with Allies, we safeguard peace through NATO missions worldwide, while continuing our steadfast support for Ukraine 🇺🇦 in its fight against the aggressor. #StrongerTogether #WeAreNATO

I have just promulgated the Law on Defense Financing, mandating 5% of GDP for defense from 2027 onwards. This will strengthen Latvia’s defense capabilities and resilience while honoring NATO commitments from the Hague Summit. Hope more allies will join “the 5% club” soon.

🇱🇻’s FM @Braze_Baiba and the @EU_Commission Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation @EZaharievaEU discussed strengthening the 🇪🇺’s competitiveness and fostering innovation in preparation for the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework #MFF (2028–2034). Baiba Braže and Ekaterina Zaharieva also participated in the opening of the @TechChill event and in the Baltic Startup Policy Forum. 🔗 Read more: mfa.gov.lv/en/article/bai… 📸 Flickr album: mfa.gov.lv/en/article/bai…

Those responsible for the aggression against Ukraine must be held accountable. Today, we have proposed that the EU become a founding member of the Special Tribunal on the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. #StandWithUkraine️

I met with Latvia’s Defense Minister Andris Sprūds. It is very important that, these days, as throughout all years of Russian aggression, Latvia stands with us. I briefed the Minister on the situation in Ukraine and on Russia’s ongoing attacks. This is precisely why it is vital to continue supporting Ukraine, strengthening air defense, and expanding our joint capabilities to protect people. We agreed to continue working together to ensure security in the region. Thank you!

🕯️ On 25 March 1949, Soviet repressive authorities carried out the largest deportation operation in the Baltic states, forcibly transporting more than 90,000 people in 33 train convoys to lifelong exile in Siberia, including 42,125 residents of Latvia 🇱🇻. Forcing them to sign declarations that they would never return to their homeland. Its aim was to complete Sovietisation by replacing traditional family farms with collective farms and eliminating armed resistance in the countryside. The Russian Federation, as the successor to the Soviet Union, continues to deny these crimes against humanity and, for a fifth year, seeks to destroy Ukraine 🇺🇦 and its people. Russia must be held accountable for all of its crimes. #NeverAgain

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has concluded that, based on the evidence collected, Russian authorities have committed crimes against humanity, including the deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children, as well as their enforced disappearance. In its report, the Commission documented systemic violations of international humanitarian law and human rights committed by Russia in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Key findings of the report: 🔹 Deportation of Ukrainian children The Commission confirmed the deportation of at least 1,205 Ukrainian children, including 995 who had been transferred even before the start of the full-scale invasion from 11 institutions located in the so-called “LNR” and “DNR”. International law permits only the temporary evacuation of children for imperative reasons. Instead, Russia coordinated the long-term transfer and placement of Ukrainian children on its territory. Some of the deported children were placed for adoption with Russian military personnel and officials. Their documents were altered and Russian citizenship was imposed on them, further complicating their return home. 🔹 Sham trials against civilians During the occupation, dozens of Ukrainian civilians — including children and teenagers — were brought before so-called courts, often on fabricated charges. Those targeted included employees of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, former ATO veterans, relatives of Ukrainian servicemembers, and individuals whom the occupation authorities considered pro-Ukrainian. 🔹 Sexual violence The Commission documented cases of sexual violence committed by Russian military personnel against women, girls, men, and prisoners of war. These crimes occurred during house searches, in villages under occupation, and in detention facilities. Victims ranged in age from 13 to 52 years old, many suffering severe physical and psychological trauma. 🔹 Obstacles to the return of children Even when families know where their children are located, bringing them home remains extremely difficult. The report highlights that more than 80% of the children whose cases were examined by the Commission have not yet been returned. Russia has not established any mechanism for the safe and prompt return of deported children. Families are forced to navigate complex bureaucratic procedures, gather documents for months or even years, and travel through dangerous routes across multiple borders. In some cases, relatives were denied entry or threatened with accusations of cooperating with Ukraine in order to prevent them from retrieving their children. Some children have been returned only thanks to the efforts of Ukraine, human rights organizations, and international partners. Russia must be held accountable. We will not stop until every Ukrainian child is brought back home. #BringKidsBack

🙏 Constructive discussion with EU Budget Commissioner @Piotr_Serafin on Latvian priorities in the next 🇪🇺EU #MFF : 
🔹 security, defence, Eastern border
🔹 Fair CAP payments
🔹 Rail Baltica & connectivity
🔹 Less bureaucracy. 🇱🇻 backs a fair & ambitious MFF.

Athletes from across the EU have claimed an impressive 90 medals at the Winter Paralympics, showing perseverance and passion in a wide range of sports. A big congratulations to all the athletes for this inspiring achievement! #MilanoCortina2026

It has been 1️⃣2️⃣ years since the so-called referendums were unlawfully held in Crimea and Sevastopol regarding the forced annexation of Ukrainian 🇺🇦 territory by the Russian Federation. Latvia 🇱🇻 reiterates its unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Latvia supports a just and sustainable peace and continues to provide Ukraine with comprehensive and long-term assistance. #StandWithUkraine 🔗 Read more: mfa.gov.lv/en/article/twe… @LV_Ukraine | @UKRinLatvia | @MFA_Ukraine | @UKRinUN

The @EUCouncil unanimously decided to extend for six months the restrictive measures against those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine 🇺🇦 The sanctions are thus extended until 15 September 2026. 🔗 Read more: mfa.gov.lv/en/article/eu-…

👏 Congratulations to our athletes Poļina Rožkova and Agris Lasmans on winning 3rd place in wheelchair curling! A true inspiration for all of Latvia! 🇱🇻 🥉 @Paralympics | @LPKomiteja l @Olimpiade_lv

⚡️Russia committed crimes against humanity through deportation of Ukrainian children, UN inquiry finds. The forced deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia throughout the war in Ukraine amounts to crimes against humanity, a UN investigation found. kyivindependent.com/russia-committ…

Warmest congratulations and best wishes to our Lithuanian neighbours on the Day of Restoration of Independence of Lithuania! On this special day, we cherish freedom, democracy and unbreakable spirit of Lithuania and its people. Standing shoulder to shoulder, we remain committed to defending these values in our region and beyond 🇱🇻🤝🇱🇹 @LithuaniaMFA | @LV_Lithuania | @LithuaniaUNNY

800 Patriot missiles were used for air defense in just 3 days in the Middle East. Ukraine received 600 in 4 years of full-scale war. Russia, Iran and North Korea form a new Axis of Evil. Ukraine was the first to confront this Axis. We continue to fight, but we need support. The free world must stop managing this threat — and start defeating it.

russia is a terrorist state

Russian kills Ukrainian civilians and attacks civilian infrastructure. Those are war crimes. Russia meanwhile marches at the Paralympic opening under its flags. Shame on you, @Paralympics !