Latvian Foreign Minister on the Ukraine war and his country's Soviet legacy | DW Interview

Edgars Rinkēvičs sat down with DW's Moscow Bureau chief Juri Rescheto to discuss the impact Russia's invasion of Ukraine is having on security in the Baltic states, and European cohesion. Watch the exclusive interview here.

#latvia #russia #ukraine

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[isoljator]

As a Finn I can understand Rinkēvičs' historical notions well. He sounds like a sensible politician representing a modern Baltic state wanting to evade the risk of Russian aggression. I think his message to those "german intellectuals" was dead-on as well.

[dashmuff]

Well said. A great leader. Latvia is fortunate to have him. He has the right perspective and a pulse on the now.

[mikethk]

I like this Latvia leader. Totally support his perspective. From Denmark.

[khanindustries]

That really is a great way to put it. "Somehow, we all lived in the 1990s for too long."

[SKraus-pbii]

Very nice speech. Have heard a lot of very good ones from Baltic poltiticians in the recent months.

[Leshic]

Great inverview.
I wish so much of it wasn't cut out. It feels like a 1hr interview, cut down to 15min.
He's a very sharp and wise man. There's a lot to learn from somebody with so much experience.
It's really a shame to miss out on so much because of editing.

[nrm]

I absolutely love this guy. Latvia cannot afford false, feel-good conceits.

[tragicrhythm]

Hearing the POV of a border nation to Russia that has experienced Soviet occupation was rather informative, probably should also serve as a warning. They are like the canaries in a coal mine.

[cYYAN]

I have nothing but the outmost respect for the Baltic states. Scandinavia for sure stands by you all. In the 90s Denmark fought very hard to get our friends into the EU as fast as possible and we will forever have your back. We got more than 2500 soldiers there now with 30 leopard 2A7 and majority our F16's.

[GottuboiBeachVolleyball]

I concur 💯% in what he said the security of Europe and the world will change if Ukraine loses this war. And if you don’t stop the aggressor, the aggression will continue.

[jeremymartintorres]

This guy is very perceptive and eloquent! And he kinda sounds like Snape. Win-win. I wish every foreign minister is like him.

[FVBmovies]

Latvia won't give up as long as Ukraine isn't. Cope and seethe, vatņiks. :) Btw, the glorifying obelisk in our capital crashing down was glorious. Finally put down to rest.

[tberlin]

What a great and wise prime minister! Latvia can be proud of such a leader!

[dokasaku]

very well said. good for you Mr Minister!!!

[dancingbabybins]

The correct answer for the Latvians Fm is this, Latvia wants to be a singular sovereign country and the Russian speakers who believe that Latvia should be conquered by Russia are not Latvians, they're Russians who want their country Russia to be invading neighboring nations that they live in without consequences. That's a hard no from every other person who doesn't want that to happen, the Ukrainians are embodying the hard No and others have to emulate that level of national cohesion and resolve to resist imperialist ideology.

[noeld]

He is right...we have been going around like it's the 90s for too long.

[dirtyharry]

Former occupied countries by soviets should well remember way of life back then. Its horrific ! Eastern Germany, Hungary, Czech republic, Baltic states . Never again
We will fight 💪

[mightko]

Edgars Rinkēvičs is very smart and objective. Everything he said is objectively correct and true! He answers all questions calmly and clearly. Wish more European leaders/politicians follows him.

[hardyvonwinterstein]

Great minister from a great country. Smart man thinking realistically. We have those a lot in Europe. Latvia is a member of both the EU and NATO. So, they're as safe as you can be, living next to the Russian Federation.

[romanstingler]

I can agree Nordic and Baltic States have great leaders.