The only way to bring peace closer in 2026 is to increase pressure on Russia, but there’re no clear signs yet – Latvian President
The conclusion of a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia currently appears more like a miracle, and the reason for such pessimism is the lack of any signs from Russia regarding the acceptance of any possible peace agreements, according to Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent reported.
"I fully agree with (Czech) President Pavel that the only way to do everything possible to achieve peace in 2026 is to increase pressure on Russia, both politically and economically, through sanctions, the fight against the shadow fleet, etc., and, of course, through support for Ukraine," he said at a Ukrainian lunch on Saturday on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation.
"So far, we haven’t seen any particular signs of pressure," Rinkēvičs stated.
He believes that certain diplomatic maneuvers and negotiations are currently underway, but it would be desirable for the US efforts, along with those of European leaders who are involved in increasing pressure on Russia, to be productive.
"Russia rejects all possible ideas and is unwilling to commit to peace, so we will have to rely not only on diplomacy but also on pressure," the Latvian president concluded.
