Latvia’s Bold Step into the Global Spotlight: Ready to Lead on Ukraine, Middle East, and More
Come January 2026, Latvia will take the stage on the United Nations Security Council for the very first time in its history — and they’re coming in strong.
Out of 188 countries voting for this coveted spot, Latvia secured a remarkable 178 votes. That’s a powerful mandate from the international community recognizing the small Eastern European nation’s readiness to step up and play a critical role on some of the world’s toughest security challenges.
Latvia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Baiba Braže, fresh from the vote at the U.N. headquarters in New York City, shared her country’s vision with Fox News Digital: Latvia is laser-focused on pushing for peace in war-torn regions like Ukraine and the Middle East, while also striving to strengthen global security and uphold international laws.
Latvia’s Vision for the Security Council
Braže was crystal clear about Latvia’s priorities:
“We shall work on the U.N. Security Council to help achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, the Middle East and other conflict regions, to strengthen global security, safeguard the international rules-based order in line with the U.N. Charter and make the work of the U.N. Security Council more effective.”
This is a tall order, but Latvia is gearing up to use its new platform to push for real results in some of the most urgent conflicts on Earth.
Tackling the Ukraine Conflict: A Personal Mission
The war in Ukraine hits home for Latvia. Like Ukraine, Latvia was once under Soviet rule and only regained its independence after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. This shared history adds a deep layer of understanding and urgency to Latvia’s stance on the conflict.
Braže openly calls out Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strategy, describing it as “traditional Russian-Soviet tactics” — involving deliberate delays and stalled negotiations designed to wear down opponents. Yet, she’s optimistic about ways to ramp up pressure on the Kremlin to seek peace.
Here’s a key takeaway from her insights: Latvia fully backs the idea of “peace through strength,” a vision promoted by former President Donald Trump. Braže emphasized that the path to peace won’t come through appeasement or empty talks.
“Right now, we don’t see a single indication that Russia truly wants peace. It’s bluffing, demanding the impossible, then blaming Ukraine for not accepting those terms,” she said.
Cutting Off Russia’s Lifelines: The Economic Front
One of Latvia’s strategies involves targeting Russia’s economic lifelines, especially its access to oil, gas, and advanced technology. Braže highlights that keeping oil prices low and restricting Russia’s exports is crucial to weakening Moscow’s war machine.
She singled out China as a key player in this economic chess game:
“China is the main enabler of Russia through its exports. Russia is able to ‘cannibalize’ parts of those exports to fuel its missile programs.”
In other words, Russia relies heavily on Chinese technology and materials to keep its military running. Limiting that supply chain is a strategic move Latvia plans to advocate strongly.
Navigating the Complex Israel-Hamas Crisis
On the Middle East front, Latvia’s approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict is equally pragmatic. Braže stressed the urgent need to get humanitarian aid into Gaza but was clear Latvia isn’t taking sides on how that aid should be delivered.
Despite some international controversy over organizations like the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, Latvia insists the focus must remain on what works best on the ground.
“The best solution is whatever is more efficient,” Braže said, hopeful that all parties can cooperate to get aid where it’s desperately needed.
Her focus? Helping vulnerable civilians caught in the crossfire.
Strengthening Ukraine’s Defense: A Cornerstone for Peace
Braže also emphasized Ukraine’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter. She called Ukraine “the strongest deterrent of Russia’s aggression,” underscoring the importance of continued military, humanitarian, political, and moral support.
“Military aid, humanitarian aid, political support, moral support — everything is needed. That strength will ultimately lead to peace,” she told Fox News Digital.
She left it up to Kyiv to define what victory and lasting security look like but highlighted some key non-negotiables: Ukraine’s sovereignty, its control over its territory, and the rejection of Russian claims on occupied lands — which violate international law.
Why Latvia’s Role Matters
Latvia’s entry onto the U.N. Security Council couldn’t come at a more critical moment. With conflicts simmering and international order challenged like never before, the Council’s effectiveness is under scrutiny.
Braže is determined to push for a Security Council that works — a body that not only debates but delivers.
Her message is clear: The U.N. must be a force for upholding peace, security, and justice worldwide.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Latvia’s Term
-
Focus on lasting peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, with diplomatic and practical efforts to de-escalate conflicts.
-
Stronger enforcement of the international rules-based order aligned with the U.N. Charter.
-
Increased pressure on Russia via economic sanctions and disruption of critical supply chains, especially targeting its cooperation with China.
-
Efficient humanitarian aid delivery in crisis zones, with a flexible approach to partnerships and methods.
-
Support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and defense capabilities as a key deterrent to aggression.
-
Efforts to make the Security Council more effective and responsive to urgent global challenges.
Final Thoughts
Latvia may be a small country, but its ambitions on the global stage are mighty. With a near-unanimous vote backing its Security Council bid and a foreign minister deeply committed to peace and justice, Latvia is poised to punch well above its weight.
Whether it’s pushing back against Russian aggression, advocating for humanitarian aid in Gaza, or strengthening the very fabric of international law, Latvia’s upcoming Security Council term will be one to watch.
In a world where power often seems concentrated in the hands of the few, Latvia’s determined, clear-eyed approach offers a fresh perspective — one rooted in history, resilience, and a firm belief that peace is worth fighting for.
Login