The meeting in Berlin added another chapter to the "close and trusting partnership" between Latvia and Germany, said Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz during the visit by Latvian Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš to the Federal Chancellery in Berlin on Wednesday.

The discussion between the two heads of government had centred on the war between Russia and Ukraine and the current security situation on NATO's eastern flank, Scholz said. "We are united by the desire for peace, a just peace, for stability, and for security in Europe," he said, adding that unity, solidarity, and joint action among European partners were indispensable in the current situation.

The EU and NATO stand united

"We in the European Union and NATO stand together for our collective security," Federal Chancellor Scholz affirmed. In view of Russia's aggression, he continued, it was therefore "wise and important to further intensify our cooperation, because our safety and security is based on our strength."

The Federal Chancellor left no doubt as to what the West's reaction to further aggression would be: "We are united as allies," said Scholz, adding that in the event of an attack, we would jointly defend every square inch of NATO territory. "I mean that literally," Scholz pointed out. This, he said, was a "very important message" to the Baltic countries and Poland.

Putin has underestimated the West

The past twelve months, said Scholz, had been defined by European unity, solidarity, and determination. "Putin did not expect this determined response when he gave the order to invade Ukraine; he was surprised and disconcerted by it."

Helping Ukraine - for as long as necessary

Ukraine, he said, was putting up a brave and heroic fight against Russian aggression, and had already suffered tens of thousands of deaths. "And, together with our transatlantic friends, we in Europe are doing everything we can to support them in this endeavour," the Federal Chancellor stressed, "to ensure that Ukraine will be able to endure."

He continued by saying that after the USA, Germany was certainly Ukraine’s strongest supporter, both financially and militarily. This would continue to be the case, the Federal Chancellor said: "We will remain close by Ukraine's side and will continue our support for as long as it is needed."

Sanctions: keeping up the pressure

Preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine was key, said Scholz: "Russia's horrific attack must not be allowed to succeed." This, he went on to say, was why we are keeping up the pressure on Russia, not only militarily but also economically, and why the European Union adopted a tenth package of sanctions on Friday.