President sees positive aspects in Alaska talks, but evidence of real progress towards peace remains to be seen

RIGA - The coming weeks will show whether Russia will continue to drag its feet or show a real willingness to reach a settlement in the war it launched against Ukraine, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics told reporters at Riga Castle on Saturday, commenting on the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

According to the politician, despite the expectations and emotions that may have been raised by the summit, it should be seen as one element of a broader and more complex process aimed at achieving a lasting and just peace in Ukraine.

"We see that in the discussions between the US President and Putin there was quite a lot of talk about what the next steps could be in terms of a political settlement. We see that at the moment, unfortunately, there is no decision on a ceasefire. Unfortunately, Russia is continuing its aggression against Ukraine. But what is very important, and what we also appreciate very much, is that the US Administration and the President are consulting very widely, both with European leaders and with the President of Ukraine. We are talking about the next steps. There is talk that if a broader agreement is reached and a peace agreement is concluded, then there are serious guarantees, military guarantees and the involvement of the US side is not excluded," the president points out to the positive nuances of the talks.

Rinkevics reiterated that he sees the Alaska summit as one element in a broader and more complex process and appreciates "the efforts that the international community and the US are making". He acknowledged, however, that the process would still face many and varied complications and complexities. It is likely that diplomatic efforts of various kinds will still be needed, both at expert and senior levels.

"If we can work out and agree that any further political process on negotiating a peace agreement or negotiating a peace deal is on certain principles, that will be a good step," Rinkevics said, acknowledging that there is some disappointment that no ceasefire decision has been reached and that Russia will continue its attacks.

Rinkevics said that the next week would be quite busy, with a meeting and further consultations between the US and Ukrainian presidents expected on Monday.

"Then we will see whether there is really a chance for peace in Ukraine, whether Russia really wants it, or whether it is a desire to torpedo the peace agreement in some way by some kind of delaying tactics," Rinkevics said.

Rinkevics would also like to see European leaders involved in these talks. The European Union is large and has 27 member states, but different formats are working very well at the moment. One of these formats is a small group of leaders, including the leaders of the UK, Germany, France, Poland, Finland and Italy, as well as the President of the European Commission. There is also the so-called "coalition of the willing".

Rinkevics predicted that almost every day of the coming week would see political and diplomatic activity. For example, on Sunday the leaders of the "coalition of the willing" will meet by video to finalize details and agree on next steps.

"Whether or not this will lead to success, I think hardly anyone can honestly answer today, because we see that often, whatever the goodwill of Western leaders, Russian leaders have completely different goals and intentions. The next week or two will show whether we will again see time dragging or a real desire for a result, for an agreement," the president assessed.

Rinkevics noted that Latvia would continue to support Ukraine both within the EU and NATO. Latvia will also continue to insist that until a real agreement on peace is reached, political, diplomatic and sanctions pressure against Russia must continue.